Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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REMOTE SUPERVISORY CONTROL SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a remote supervisory
control system.
Related Art
A remote supervisory control system having a configuration
as shown in FIG. 8 has conventionally been provided. The remote
supervisory control system includes a transfer controller 30,
and a two-wire signal line Ls connected to the transfer
controller 30. The two-wire signal line Ls is connected to a
plurality of operation terminals 31, which in a most preferred
embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 could comprise
dimmer switches, and control terminals 32, which in a most
preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 could
comprise dimmer terminals, through multidrop connection.
Although, in the illustrated example, the single operation
terminal 31 and a single control terminal 32 are connected to
the signal line Ls, in practice many operation terminals 31 and
many control terminals 32 can be connected to the signal line
Ls. Further, in the illustrated example, a luminaire 33
including an illumination load is connected to the control
terminal 32, and the intensity of light output from the
illumination load is instructed by the control terminal 32. A
dimmer for controlling the power supplied to the illumination
load may be incorporated into the control terminal 32 or the
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luminaire 33. In most cases where the illumination load is an
incandescent lamp, the dimmer is incorporated into the control
terminal 32. In a case where the
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illumination load is a discharge lamp such as a fluorescent lamp,
the dimmer is incorporated into the luminaire 33.
Upon receipt of an instruction as to whether the intensity
of light output from the illumination load is increased or decreased
and an instruction for starting increase or decrease of the
intensity of light output, the control terminal 32 changes the
intensity of light output in the manner instructed. Upon receipt
of an instruction for terminating the changing of light intensity,
the control terminal 32 maintains the intensity of the light output
at the point in time when the instruction is received. In this way,
only two parameters: i.e., a point in time at which changing of
intensity of light output is commenced and a point in time at which
changing of intensity of light output is completed, are instructed.
During the period between these two points in time, the control
terminal 32 changes the intensity of light output automatically.
A control terminal of this type is referred to as an autonomous
dimmer tenainal.
The operation terminal 31 is equipped with three push-type
switches Sa to Sc.. The switch Sa instructs illumination or
extinction of the illumination load, and the switch Sb instructs
an increase in the intensity of light output, as well as the start
and stop of increase. The switch Sc instructs a decrease in the
intensity of light output, as well as the start and stop of decrease.
Decreasing and increasing operations are started by the user
pressing the switches Sb and Sc, and these operations are stopped
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by the user releasing the same.
The operation terminals 31 and control terminals 32 are
provided with individual addresses. Through use of the addresses,
the transfer controller 30 perceives the individual operation
terminals 31 and control terminals 32.
The transfer controller 30 sends through the signal line Ls
a transfer signal Vs having a format shown in FIG. 9A. The transfer
signal Vs is a bipolar time division multiplexed signal (of t24V)
comprising a synchronization signal SY representing the start of
transmission of a signal; mode data MD representing the mode of
the transfer signal Vs; address data AD for calling the operation
terminals 31 and the control terminals 32 individually; control
data CD for controlling the load L; checksum data CS for detecting
transmission errors; and a signal return period WT which serves
as a time slot for receiving a signal (monitoring data) returned
from the operation terminal 31 or the control terminal 32. Data
are transferred through pulse-width modulation. (see FIG. 9B).. In
each of the operation terminals 31 and the control terminals 32,
if the address data AD carried by the transfer signal Vs which is
received by way of the signal line Ls match a preset address, the
control data CD are captured from the transfer signal Vs. During
the signal return period WT of the transfer signal Vs, monitoring
data are returned as a current mode signal (i.e., a signal which
is transmitted by short-circuiting the signal line Ls through use
of a tool of appropriately low impedance).
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When the transfer controller 30 transmits data to a desired
one of the operation terminals 31 and control terminals 32, the
mode data MD of the transfer signal Vs are set to a control mode,
and the address data AD of the transfer signal Vs are set to the
address of the operation terminal 31 or the control terminal 32. .
The thus-set transfer signal Vs is sent through the signal line
Ls, and the operation terminal 31 or control terminal 32 whose
address matches the address data AD of the transfer signal vs
receives the control data CD . During the s ignal return period WT,
the terminal that has received the control data returns monitoring
data. On the basis of the relationship between the control data
CD transmitted from the transfer controller 30 and the monitoring
data received during the signal return period WT, the transfer
controller 30 can ascertain whether or not the control data CD have
been transmitted to the desired operation tenainal 31 or control
terminal 32. In a case Where the control terminal 32 receives the
control data CD, the control terminal 32 outputs a load control
signal for controlling the load L according to the control data
CD. In a case where the operation terminal 31 receives the control
data CD, the operation terminal 31 outputs a monitoring signal for
checking and indicating the operation of the load L according to
the control data CD.
The transfer controller 30 usually transmits, at given time
intervals, a transfer signal vs whose mode data MD are set to a
dummy mode, and address data AD are cyclically changed (i.e., a
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full-time polling operation). When the operation terminal 31
attempts to send any information to the transfer controller 30,
an interrupt signal such as that shown in FIG. 9C is produced in
synchronization with the synchronization signal SY of the transfer
signal VS of dummy mode. At this time, the operation terminal 31
sets an interrupt flag to thereby prepare for subsequent exchange
of information with the transfer controller 30. Upon receipt of
the interrupt signal, the transfer controller 30 sets the mode data
MD of the transfer signal Vs to an interrupt polling mode and
gradually increases half of the higher-order bits of the address
data AD (i.e., four higher-order bits of the 8-bit address data
AD). The transfer signal Vs is then transmitted. When a match
exists between the four higher-order bits of the address data AD
of the transfer signal Vs whose mode data MD are set to the interrupt
polling mode and the four higher-order bits of the address assigned
to the operation terminal 31, the operation terminal 31 that has
sent the interrupt signal returns the lower-order bits of the
address data AD to the transfer controller 30 during the signal
return period WT.. As mentioned above, since the transfer
controller 30 searches for the operation terminal 31 that has
generated the interrupt signal, in units of 16 terminals, the
operation terminal 31 can be found in a comparatively short period
of time.
Upon acquisition of the address of the operation terminal
31 that has generated the interrupt signal, the transfer controller
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30 sets the mode data MD of the~transfer signal Vs to a monitoring
mode, and the transfer signal whose address data AD matches the
thus-acquired address is sent to the signal line Ls. In response
to the transfer signal Vs, the operation terminal 31 returns the
information to be transmitted during the signal return period WT.
Finally, the transfer controller 30 sends a signal for instructing
interruption reset to the operation terminal 31 that has generated
the interrupt signal, thus clearing the interruption flag set in
the operation terminal 31. As mentioned above, transmission of
information from the operation terminal 31 to the transfer
controller 30 is completed by transmitting signals (a dummy mode
signal, an interruption polling mode signal, a monitoring mode
signal, and an interruption reset signal ) to the operation terminal
31 from the transfer controller 30 four times. When the transfer
controller 30 attempts to ascertain the operating state of a desired
control terminal 32, transmission of only a transfer signal whose
mode data MD is set to monitoring data will be required.
When operation data are generated as a result of actuation
of any one of the switches Sa to Sc, the operation terminal 31 returns
the operation data to the transfer controller 30. The transfer
controller 30 transmits to the control terminal 32 a transfer signal
which includes control data produced on the basis of the operation
data. Upon receipt of the transfer signal, the control terminal
32 controls an illumination load. At this time, the control
terminal 32 returns monitoring data to the transfer controller 30,
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and the thus-returned monitoring data are further transmitted to
the operation terminal 31. In response to the monitoring data, the
operation terminal 31 outputs a monitoring signal which is usually
used for illuminating or extinguishing an operation lamp.
The operation terminal 31 shown in FIG. 8 is for dimming .
purposes and instructs the illumination load to output light. At
a point in time when pressing of either the switches Sb or Sc is
commenced and at a point in time when the switch is released, the
operation terminal 31 transmits operation information to the
transfer controller 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, an
operation signal OP1 for instructing the illumination load to start
increasing the intensity of light output is transmitted to the
transfer controller 30. A control signal CN1 corresponding to the
operation signal OP1 is transmitted to the control tenainal 32.
After the user releases the switch Sb, an operation signalOP2 for
stopping a change in the intensity of light output is transmitted
to the transfer controller 30. A control signal CN2 corresponding
to the operation signal OP2 is transmitted to the control terminal
32. The operation signals OP1 and OP2 and the control signals CNl
and CN2 are transmitted by means of the transfer signals.
In this type of remote supervisory control system,
correspondence between the address of the operation terminal 31
and the address of the control terminal 32 is managed by the transfer
controller 30. It is possible to establish correspondence between
the address of the single operation terminal 31 and the addresses
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of the plurality of control terminals 32, as well as
' correspondence between the address of the single operation
terminal 31 and the address of the single control terminal 32. If
the address of the single operation terminal is arranged so as to
correspond to the addresses of the plurality of control terminals
32, a plurality of illumination loads can be collectively
controlled by means of a single set of switches Sa to Sc. Control
of this type is called simultaneous control. Simultaneous Control
assumes two forms; particularly, simultaneous control for bringing
a plurality of illumination loads into the same controlled state,
and simultaneous control for bringing a plurality of illumination
loads into their respective previously-designated controlled
states.
As mentioned above, in order to effect pattern control, the
correspondence between the address of the switch of the collective
operation terminal and the addresses of the plurality of loads L
must be registered in the transfer controller 30. A setting
operation of this type is referred to as a "pattern setting
operation." Hereinafter, switches for pattern control purposes
provided in the operation terminal, which serves as the collective
operation terminal, are referred to as "pattern switches."
Further, switches for individual control purposes provided in the
operation terminal are referred to as "individual switches So." A
setting operation for effecting group control is referred to as a
"group setting operation," and switches for group control purposes
provided in the operation terminal, which serves as a collective
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operation terminal, are referred to as "group switches."
The intensity of light output from each illumination load
can be adjusted by actuation of the switches Sa to Sc assigned to
the illumination load. Demand exists for slightly increasing or
decreasing the intensity of light output (i.e., illuminance) of
the entire illuminated space. Such a demand can be satisfied by
controlling the plurality of illumination loads through group
control.
As mentioned above, each of the operation terminals 31 and
each of the control terminals 32 is each assigned an individual
address. Effecting group control requires only establishment of
correspondence between the address of the single operation terminal
31 and the addresses of the plurality of control terminals 32. As
shown in FIG. 11, operation terminals 31a are each associated with
the control terminals 32 in a one-to-one relationship, and an
operation terminal 31b is associated with the plurality of control
terminals 32 in a one-to-many relationship. When the switch Sa of
the operation terminal 31b is actuated, the operation signal OP1
is transmitted to the transfer controller 30, where a plurality
of control signals CN11 to CN13 are generated sequentially. The
thus-generated control signals CN11 to CN13 are further
sequentially transmitted to the control terminal 32 to be
controlled. Similarly, when the switch Sb of the operation
terminal 31b is actuated, the operation signal OP2 is transmitted
to the transfer controller 30, where a plurality of control signals
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CN21 to CN23 are generated sequentially. The thus-generated
control signals CN21 to CN23 are further sequentially transmitted
to the control terminal 32 to be controlled. Through such
procedures, the plurality of illumination loads which are
connected to the control terminals 32 to be subjected to group
control can be controlled in a collective manner by actuation of
anyone of the switches Sa to Sc.
Operation information pertaining to the switches Sa to Sc of
the control terminal 32 to be subjected to group control is
sequentially transmitted to the respective control terminals 32.
Therefore, the timing at which the operation information
pertaining to the switches Sa to Sc is received differs from one
control terminal 32 to another. Particularly, in a case where
the number of control terminals 32 to be subjected to group
control is large, the timing at which the operation information
pertaining to the switches Sa to Sc is received varies
significantly. For instance, the switches Sb are switched so as
to increase the intensity of light output from the illumination
loads. In this case, the intensity of light output from the
illumination load connected to one control terminal 32 may be
increased immediately after pressing of the switch Sb. However,
the intensity of light output from the illumination load
connected to another control terminal 32 may be increased after a
time lag from the time when the switch Sb is switched. The user
may consider such a time lag to be strange.
In contrast, as shown in FIG. 12, there may be conceived
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collective control of a plurality of illumination loads through
use of a single set of switches Sa to Sc by means of connecting
the plurality of luminaires 33 in shunt with a single control
tenainal 32. Such a configuration enables collective control of
the plurality of illumination loads through use of a single set .
of switches Sa to Sc but disables individual control of brightness
of the illumination loads.
At the time when illumination loads in an extinguished state
being illuminated, if the loads are suddenly illuminated under
circumstances where there is low illuminance, such as at night,
the user may be dazzled, thereby exerting a heavy load on the eyes .
The remote supervisory control system of this type sometimes
employs a device called a selector switch. The selector switch
corresponds to a single device equipped with a plurality of
operation terminals, and is usually equipped with five or more
operation sections. So long as the operation sections are assigned
respective addresses through use of a specifically-designed
address setting device, each of the operation sections can be used
as any of an individual switch, a pattern switch, and a group switch.
A plurality of individual switches, pattern switches, and group
switches can be assembled into a single device. Accordingly, there
is also provided a selector switch which can effect the pattern
and group setting operations by arranging the pattern switch and
group switch so as to correspond to the plurality of loads L (whereby
the load L to be controlled can be specified by use of the individual
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switch) .
' As has been mentioned above, in the conventionally
available selector switch, the operation sections are assigned
respective addresses through use of the custom-designed address
setting device. Accordingly, at the time of maintenance for
assigning an address to the operation section or changing the
address of the operation section, the address setting device
needs to be provided separately from the selector switch, thus
introducing an element of inconvenience.
Despite the fact that the selector switch is a
comparatively large-scale apparatus, the selector switch has only
limited functions, such as the function of operating the
individual switches, the pattern switch, and the group switch;
the pattern setting function; and the group setting function. The
selector switch does not have any function for effecting control
and setting operations pertaining to dimming, and hence the
number of functions is small in relation to the amount of space
occupied.
In the remote supervisory control system mixedly comprising
individual switches and group switches, a method for indicating
the operation of the loads 33 through use of an indication lamp
includes an operation status display method suitable for field
operation and a monitored status display method suitable for
monitoring a load which has been left unextingushed (hereinafter
referred to as an "unextinguished load"), from a remote location
such as a monitor room of a building. According to the operation
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status display method, even when the status of some of the loads
' 33 within the group is changed by means of the individual switches
after the loads 33 have been subjected to group control through
use of the group switches, the status displayed on the indication
lamp after group control is maintained. For example, as shown in
FIG. 13, first all the loads 33 are deactivated, and hence all the
indication lamps are also extinguished (x). When one of the loads
33 is activated by means of the individual switch (1), an
indication lamp (1) is illuminated (O). However, the indication
lamp of the group switch still remains extinguished (x). Next,
all the remaining loads 33 are activated by means of the
individual switches (2) and (3), so that the indication lamps of
the individual switches (2) and (3) are illuminated (0). Since all
the loads 33 within the group are activated, the indication lamp
of the group switch is also illuminated (O). Even if only one of
the loads 33 is deactivated by use of the individual switch (1) in
this state, only the indication lamp of the individual switch (1)
is extinguished (x). However, the indication lamp of the group
switch still remains illuminated (0). The remaining loads 33 are
deactivated by means of the individual switches (2) and (3), so
that all the loads 33 are deactivated. As a result, the indication
lamp of the group switch is also extinguished (x). Illumination
(O) of the indication lamp depicts activation of the loads, and
extinction (x) of the loads depicts deactivation of the loads.
In contrast, according to the monitored status display
method,
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when even one of the loads 33 within the group is activated, the
indication lamp of the group switch is illuminated ( O ) . For example,
as shown in FIG. 14, first all the loads 33 are deactivated, and
the indication lamp of the group switch is also extinguished (x) .
In this state, when one of the loads 33 is activated by means of
the individual switch (1), the indication lamp of the individual
switch (1) is illuminated (O). Further, at this time, the
indication lamp of the group switch is also illuminated (O). The
remaining loads 33 are activated by means of the individual switches
(2) and (3), the indication lamps of the individual switches (2)
and (3) are also illuminated (O), and the indication lamp of the
group switch remains illuminated ( O ) . The remaining loads 33 are
deactivated by means of the individual switches (2) and (3), so
that alI the loads 33 are deactivated and the indication lamp of
the group switch is also extinguished (x). The monitored status
display method is effective for monitoring the unextinguished load
33 within each area on each floor or within each partitioned
compartment. So long as each area is divided into groups, the
indication lamp of the group switch is illuminated even when only
one of the loads 33 in a group is in an activated state. The
indication lamp of the group is extinguished only when all the loads
33 are deactivated. Therefore, the unextinguished load 33 can be
monitored from a remote location such as a monitor room. The
indication of the status of the load 33 may be output to an external
device such as a central monitor console, by way of a communications
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interface terminal or a contact interface tenainal.
In a case where an individual switch or a group switch is
actuated ( or locally actuated ) within each area, according to the
operation status display method, the indication lamp of the group
switch remains extinguished when one of the loads 33, all of which
are in an extinguished state, is activated by means of the individual
switch (1), as show in FIG. 15. If the group switch is actuated
in this state, all the loads 33 are activated, with the result that
the displays of the indication lamps match the actual operation
status. Thus, a natural operation becomes feasible.
In contrast, according to the monitored status display method,
even when only one of the loads 33 is activated, as shown in FIG.
16, the indication lamp of the group switch is illuminated. If the
group switch is activated at this time, all the loads 33 are
deactivated. In spite of an attempt to activate all the loads 33,
the loads 33 cannot be activated unless all the loads 33 are
deactivated and the group switch is activated again. The displays
of the indication lamps do not match the actual operations, thus
resulting in an unnatural operation.
If the operation terminals 31 of all the groups are set to
the operation status display method, such a method is suitable for
local operation but cannot be used for monitoring at the center.
Even in this case, so long as the indication lamps of the operation
terminals for pattern control purposes are utilized, a monitoring
function may be implemented. If an attempt is made to control
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activation/deactivation of the loads within an area through use
of a pattern, two pattern switches must be employed, thus resulting
in a necessity for a large number of pattern circuits (a first
problem). In contrast, if the operation terminals 31 are set to
the monitored status display method, local operations become
unnatural . In spite of the fact that local operations are monitored
at the center through use of the multiplex transmission method,
the foregoing problem cannot be solved.
In the foregoing remote supervisory control system, there
may be a case where the single control terminal 32 is assigned to
a plurality of groups. In such a system, as shown in FIG. 17, if
a group switch of a group A is actuated, all the loads within the
group A are simultaneously deactivated (x) regardless of the state
of the loads. In the case of an office having a comparatively large
floor space, a desirable measure may be to divide the office into
several sections and to assign the sections groups . Activation or
deactivation of illumination loads is controlled on a per-group
basis. In such a case, if illumination loads of a certain group
are deactivated, the area under the adjacent group (section) also
becomes slightly dark. A conceivable measure for preventing such
a decrease in luminance of the area under the adjacent group
comprises assignment of illumination loads located in an overlap
between sections to both groups A and B, as shown in FIG. 18. As
a result, even if the illumination loads of the group A are
deactivated, the illumination loads which are included in both the
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groups A and B are not deactivated. Such a control method is called
an ON-prioritized control method, and a commonly practiced control
method is called a later-operatin-prioritized control method.
However, the ON-prioritized control method involves the
following problem. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the group B
comprising sections and the group A for monitoring the entire floor
including the group H cannot be used simultaneously. More
specifically, the loads included in the group B cannot be
deactivated by actuation of the group switch corresponding to the
local group H. Initially, the group switch corresponding to the
entire group A is actuated, to thereby deactivate the loads which
are included in the group A and do not belong to the group B.
Subsequently, the group switch corresponding to the group B is
actuated, to thereby deactivate the loads belonging to the group
B.
As shown in FIGS. 20A to 20E, in a case where a plurality
of local groups D and E are set within a large group C, each of
the loads belongs to at least one of the groups C to E. In a case
where all the loads are activated, no loads can be deactivated by
actuation of the group switch corresponding to any of the groups
C to E. To prevent such a situation, as shown in FIG. 20H, individual
dummy switches R1 to R3 which do not belong to any of the groups
are provided in the respective groups C to E, and each of the dummy
switches R1 to R3 is deactivated when the corresponding group switch
is actuated. As shown in FIGS. 20C to 20E, the indication lamp of
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the group switch can be extinguished (because a deactivated load
exists in the group) . However, dummy control circuits, which are
not originally needed, must be provided in a number equal to the
number of groups, thus adding to equipment cost.
In a remote supervisory control system such as that mentioned
previously, various functions are implemented by combination of
the transfer controller 1 with various terminals . However, in many
cases, new functions are added to the transfer controller and the
terminal in association with improvements realized year after year.
Further, a transfer controller whose functions are extended may
be connectable with a newly-developed terminal having a new
function. Under such circumstances, an old-type transfer
controller lacking a new function may be connected to a new terminal
having a new function. As things stand, the terminal is not
provided with means for reliably checking the version of the
function of the transfer controller. The old transfer controller
may make the entire remote supervisory control system inoperative
in the worst case, and in any case may not utilize a new function.
Even if various data (such as group and pattern data) are set in
the terminal, the data cannot be sent to the transfer controller
because of a version mismatch, thus rendering the setting operation
useless.
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The present invention has been conceived in light of the
foregoing problems, and one object of the present invention is to
provide a remote supervisory control system capable of
simultaneously activating a plurality of illumination loads to be
subjected to group control without involvement of a time lag.
Another object of the present invention ~is to provide a remote
supervisory control system capable of lessening the load exerted
on eyes, which would otherwise be caused by sudden changes in the
intensity of light output, and enabling elaborate dimmer control
according to the environment.
The present invention has been conceived in view of the
foregoing drawbacks in the related art, and the object of the present
invention is to provide a remote supervisory control system which
I5 requires a comparatively small occupation space and which uses a
multifunction setting operation terminal capable of offering
various functions required for setting, control, and management;
to thereby achieve multifunctional performance and improve cost
effectiveness
The object of the present invention is to provide a display
method can be selected according to the purpose of use of the
operation terminal, and system configuration is facilitated.
The object of the present invention is to provide a display
method can be selected according to the purpose of use of the
operation terminal, and system configuration is facilitated.
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The object of the present invention is to provide a remote
supervisory control system prevents problems such as faulty
operation, which would otherwise be caused by a version mismatch.
Thus, the present invention has an advantage of providing the
ability to improve the operability of the remote supervisory
control system.
To achieve the foregoing objects, according to a first aspect
of the present invention, there is provided a remote supervisory
control system including:
a plurality of operation terminals and control terminals
which are each assigned addresses;
a signal line to which the operation terminals and control
terminals are connected through multidrop connection;
a transfer controller connected to the signal line;
illumination loads connected to the respective control
tenainals; and
an operation section provided in each of the operation
terminals, wherein a transfer signal is exchanged between the
transfer controller and each of the operation and control terminals
by means of the time-division multiplexing method, and a transfer
signal including data corresponding to the operation of the
operation section of the operation terminal is transmitted to the
control terminal specified by means of correspondence between the
addresses set in the transfer controller, to thereby control the
illumination load connected to the transfer controller, the remote
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supervisory control system being provided in that
the correspondence includes an individual control
relationship for associating one operation section with one
illumination load and a simultaneous control relationship for
associating one operation section with a plurality of illumination
loads;
the control terminal includes an individual address setting
section for setting a unique, individual address to each of the
plurality of control terminals, and a simultaneous control address
setting section for setting a simultaneous control address which
is commonly assigned to a plurality of control terminals; and
each of the control terminals is provided with a terminal
processing section, which controls the intensity of the
illumination load to a dimmer level instructed by the operation
section of the operation terminal when the terminal processing
section is instructed to use the individual address by means of
the transfer signal, and the address data included in the transfer
signal match the individual address set in the individual address
setting section; or when the terminal processing section is
instructed to use the simultaneous control address by means of the
transfer signal, and the address data included in the transfer
signal match the simultaneous control address set in the
simultaneous control address setting section. Each of the control
terminals is assigned a simultaneous control address in addition
to the individual address, and the simultaneous control address
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is commonly assigned to a plurality of control terminals.
Therefore, the control terminals assigned the same simultaneous
control address substantially simultaneously receive the same
transfer signal, thus enabling control of the intensity of the
illumination loads at substantially the same time. Thus, the
remote supervisory control system according to the present
invention yields the advantage of having the ability to change the
intensity of a plurality of grouped illumination loads without
involvement of a time lag. Further, use of the individual address
enables individual control of the illuminationloads. Although the
illumination loads are controlled individually, the intensity of
the illumination loads is changed simultaneously when the
illumination loads are grouped, thus preventing occurrence of a
time lag, which the user would consider strange.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the
remote supervisory control system as defined in the first aspect
is further previded in that the simultaneous control address
setting section can set a plurality of simultaneous control
addresses. As a result, a single illumination load can be shared
among a plurality of groups. For example, in a case where
luminaries to be subjected to group control are changed depending
on whether or not a room provided with a plurality of luminaries
is partitioned into compartments, a single luminaries belongs to
a group defined when the room is partitioned and to another group
defined when the room is not partitioned. The remote supervisory
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control system can readily set each of the luminaries into groups
in an overlapping manner.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the
remote supervisory control system as defined in the first or second
aspect is further provided in that the transfer controller sets
a simultaneous control address in the simultaneous control address
setting section of each of the control terminals by way of the signal
line. The simultaneous control address can be assigned to each of
the control terminals through use of the signal line. Accordingly,
when a simultaneous control address is assigned to each of the
control terminals, the user does not have to go to each of the control
terminals, thus facilitating an operation for assigning a
simultaneous control address to the control terminals.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the
remote supervisory control system as defined in the third aspect
is further provided in that the transferring controller sets into
the simultaneous control address setting section of any of the
control terminals, in a case where the individual address of the
control terminal is changed, a new simultaneous control address
obtained on the basis of the after-change individual address . Even
when there arises a necessity for setting a new simultaneous control
address as a result of changing of the individual addresses of the
respective control terminals, the user does not have to go to each
of the control terminals, thus facilitating an operation for
assigning a simultaneous control address to the control terminals.
23
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the
remote supervisory control system as deffined in the third aspect
is further provided in that the transfer controller comprises means
for checking whether or not the simultaneous control address
transmitted to the control terminal matches the simultaneous
control address which is set in the simultaneous control address
setting section of the control terminal and which is returned from
the control terminal by means of the transfer signal. The remote
supervisory control system can prevent transmission of an incorrect
simultaneous control address to the control terminals, which would
otherwise be caused by noise.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the
remote supervisory control system as defined in the third aspect
is further provided in that the transfer controller comprises means
for checking the simultaneous control address set in the
simultaneous control address setting section of each of the control
terminals when the system is activated, as well as for setting a
correct simultaneous control address into the control terminal
whose simultaneous control address differs from the simultaneous
control to be set. For example, even if the remote supervisory
control system is shut down (for example, during a power outage)
before completion of the simultaneous control address being
assigned to the control terminals, a correct simultaneous control
address is assigned to the respective control terminals when the
remote supervisory control system is activated, thereby enabling
24
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
group dimmer operations as intended.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the
remote supervisory control system as defined in any one of the first
to sixth aspects is further provided in that the controller terminal
comprises a display section for indicating the dimmer level of the
illumination load; and the transfer controller sequentially polls
all the operation and control terminals, to thereby cause each of
the control terminals to return monitoring data pertaining to the
actual dimmer level of the illumination load; updates the dimmer
level to be indicated on the display section of the operation
terminal on the basis of the thus-returned monitoring data; and
polls the respective control terminals-,which are associated with
the operation section of the operation terminal by means of
simultaneous control when the transfer controller receives the
transfer signal from the operation terminal-in preference to the
other control terminals which are not associated with the operation
section by means of simultaneous control. Even when the plurality
of control terminals are simultaneously dimmed through use of the
simultaneous control address, appearance of an indication on the
display section of each of the operation terminals is prevented
from lagging behind actual changing of the intensity of the
illumination loads, thus realizing an indication on the display
section without involvement of a time lag, which would otherwise
occur and be considered strange by the user.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
remote supervisory control system as defined in the first aspect
is further provided in that the transfer controller transmits to
the control terminals assigned an identical simultaneous control
address a time for fading an illumination load, and, when receiving
fade start control data by means of the transfer signal including
the simultaneous control address, the terminal processing section
of each of the control terminals fades the intensity of the
illumination load within the fade time. In the plurality of groups
of illumination loads to be subjected to simultaneous control, the
intensity of the illumination load can be changed gradually,
thereby mitigating a load on the eyes, which would otherwise be
caused by a sharp change in the intensity of light. Further,
elaborate control of intensity of illumination according to the
environment can be effected.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the
remote supervisory control system as defined in the eighth aspect
is further provided in that the transfer controller can transmit
the fade time which varies according to the simultaneous control
address. Elaborate control of illumination can be effected for a
plurality of groups of illumination loads to be subjected to
simultaneous control such that the intensity of illumination of
a certain group is changed quickly and such that the intensity of
illumination of another group is changed slowly.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a remote supervisory control system including
26
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
a plurality of operation terminals and control terminals
which are each assigned addresses;
a signal line to which the operation terminals and control
terminals are connected through multidrop connection;
a transfer controller connected to the signal line;
illumination loads connected to the respective control
terminals; and
an operation section provided in each of the operation
terminals, wherein a transfer signal is exchanged between the
transfer controller and each of the operation and control terminals
by means of the time-division multiplexing method, and a transfer
signal including data corresponding to the operation of the
operation section of the operation terminal is transmitted to the
control terminal specified through correspondence between the
addresses set in the transfer controller, to thereby control the
illumination load connected to the transfer controller, the remote
supervisory control system being provided in that
the correspondence includes at least an individual control
relationship for associating one operation section with one
illumination load;
the control terminal includes an individual address setting
section for setting a unique individual address to each of the
plurality of control terminals;
the transfer controller transmits fade start control data
to the control terminal by means of the transfer signal, after having
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
transmitted to the control terminal data pertaining to a target
dimmer level and a time required to fade the intensity of light
to the target dimmer level; and
the terminal processing section of each of the control
terminals calculates the rate of dimming required for fading the
intensity of the illumination load to the target dimmer level within
the fade time, and fades the intensity of the illumination load
to the target dimmer level according to the rate of dimming when
receiving the fade start control data. Since the intensity of the
illumination loads can be changed gradually, exertion of a load
on the eyes is prevented, which would otherwise be caused by a sharp
change in the intensity of illumination, and elaborate control of
illumination according to the environment can be effected.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the tenth aspect
is further provided in that the transfer controller can transmit
the fade time which varies according to each control terminal . For
a plurality of illumination loads, elaborate control of
illumination can be effected such that the intensity of certain
illumination loads is changed quickly and such that the intensity
of other illumination loads is changed slowly.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the
remote supervisory control system as defined in the tenth aspect
is further provided in that the correspondence includes a
'?5 simultaneous control relationship for associating one operation
28
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
section with a plurality of illumination loads;
the control terminal includes a simultaneous control address
setting section for setting a simultaneous control address which
is commonly assigned to the plurality of control terminals;
the transfer controller transmits, to the plurality of
control terminals assigned a simultaneous control address, data
pertair~,ing to a target dimmer level and a time required for fading
the intensity of light to the target dimmer level and transmits
fade start control data to the respective control terminals by means
of the transfer signal which includes the address data as the
simultaneous control address; and
the terminal processing section of each of the control
terminals calculates the rate of dimming required for fading the
intensity of the illumination load to the target dimmer level within
the fade time and fades the intensity of the illumination load to
the target dimmer level according to the rate of dimming when the
terminal processing section is instructed to use the simultaneous
control address by means of the transfer signal, when the address
data included in the transfer signal match the simultaneous control
address set in the simultaneous control address setting section,
and when the terminal processing section receives the fade start
control data. There can be effected pattern control, wherein a
plurality of control terminals can be simultaneously subjected to
fade control. The intensity of the illumination loads can be
changed gradually, and hence elaborate pattern control can be
29
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
effected according to the environment.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the twelfth
aspect is further provided in that the transfer controller can
transmit the fade time which varies according to each control
terminal. Elaborate pattern control can be effected according to
the environment by changing the fade time in units comprising a
plurality of patterns.
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the first aspect
is further provided in that the operation terminal includes a
display section for indicating the operation status of the
associated load;
the transfer controller transmitting control data for
switching an indication on the display section of the operation
terminal according to the operation state of the load acquired from
the control terminal; and the transfer controller being equipped
with display method switching means for selectively switching the
display method of the display section provided for each operation
section of the operation terminal . Therefore, a display method can
be selected according to the purpose of use of the operation terminal,
and system configuration is facilitated.
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the fourteenth
aspect is provided in that the transfer controller exchanges with
,~~
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
an external device a signal for setting and checking a display method
for the display section. Therefore, a display method according to
the purpose of use of the operation terminal can be selected, and
system configuration is facilitated.
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the fourteenth
aspect is further provided in that the remote supervisory control
system comprises control method switching means for selectively
switching a load control method according to the procedures of
operation of the operation section of the plurality of operation
terminals. Therefore, a display method can be selected according
to the purpose of use of the operation terminal, and system
configuration is facilitated.
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the sixteenth
aspect is provided in that the control method includes an ON-
prioritized control method wherein, if loads are shared between
operation sections switches and a load is activated by at least
one of the switches, deactivation of a load by another switch is
invalidated, and a later-operation-prioritized control method for
controlling a load by prioritizing a switch which is actuated later.
Only the loads shared between the plurality of switches assigned
the ON-prioritized control method are excluded from deactivating
action of another switch, with the result that an easy-to-use system
configuration can be readily realized.
31
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
According to a eighteenth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the seventeenth
aspect is further provided in that the transfer controller
exchanges with an external device a signal for setting and checking
the control method. By selection of a control method suitable for
the purpose of use of the operation terminal, system configuration
is facilitated.
According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the eighteenth
aspect is further provided in that version information storage
means, for storing version information pertaining to functions of
the controller and the terminals, are provided with the transfer
controller and the plurality of terminals; and the transfer
controller or the terminal acquires the version information stored
in the version information storage means of the transfer controller
or another terminal, by way of the transfer signal, to thereby
prevent problems such as faulty operation, which would otherwise
be caused by a version mismatch. Thus, the present invention has
an advantage of providing the ability to improve the operability
of the remote supervisory control system.
According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the first aspect
is further provided in that each of the operation terminals has
an individual address unique to the terminal and a simultaneous
control address commonly assigned to a plurality of operation
32
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
terminals; and
the operation terminal connected to a load controls the load
when the address data included in the transfer signal match the
individual address or when the address data included in the transfer
signal match the simultaneous control address.
Each of the terminals has the simultaneous control address
in addition to the individual address, and the simultaneous control
address is commonly assigned to a plurality of terminals . Hence,
the terminals assigned the same simultaneous control address
receive the same transfer signal substantially simultaneously and
can control the loads at substantially the same timing. Therefore,
the present invention has an advantage of providing the ability
to operate a plurality of grouped loads without involvement of a
time lag. Further, if the individual address is used, the loads
can be individually controlled. Therefore, if individualloads are
desired to be grouped while being controlled, they are controlled
simultaneously, to thereby prevent occurrence of a time lag, which
the user would consider strange.
According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the twentieth
aspect is provided in that the operation terminal is provided with
address setting memory, in which bit positions are associated with
single addresses . An address flag is set in any of the bit positions
of the address setting memory, and the address corresponding to
the bit position is used as the address of the operation terminal.
33
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
When a plurality of addresses are set, the memory capacity can be
reduced, thus enabling cost reduction. Further, the time required
for setting addresses can be shortened.
According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the
twenty-first aspect is provided in that, the load is an illumination
load, and upon receipt of data corresponding to the actuation of
a switch related to group control, the transfer controller
sequentially transmits a transfer signal including a target
luminance level of each of the illumination loads associated with
group control and an individual address. Subsequently, the
transfer controller transmits a transfer signal including a
simultaneous control address and control data for instructing the
illumination load to start performing a control operation. As a
result, the operation terminals assigned the same simultaneous
control address receive the same transfer signal substantially
simultaneously and start controlling the illumination loads at
substantially the same timing, thereby preventing occurrence of
a time lag, which the user would consider strange.
According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the
twenty-second aspect is provided in that the terminal processing
section provided in the operation terminal having the switches
prohibits transmission of a transfer signal including the data
corresponding to the actuation of -the switch when the address data
34
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
included in the transfer signal match the simultaneous control
address. Therefore, a desired switch can be prohibited from
controlling a load.
According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the first aspect
is provided in that said operation terminal includes: a setting
operation terminal which is connected to the signal line and which
includes the operation section and the display section; wherein
the setting operation terminal having:
14 a display capable of indicating characters and graphics,
a transparent touch panel superimposed on the screen of the
display, and
a control section which can select between a setting mode
in which there is set processing corresponding to the operation
of an operation section assigned to the touch panel in association
with contents of the display, and an operation mode in which the
processing is performed in response to the operation of the
operation section, and
the processing of the control section comprises at least
a function of using the operation section as a switch, a function
of setting a portion of the correspondence, and a function
of ascertaining the correspondence.
According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the
twenty-fourth aspect is provided~in that
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
a mount piece having a mount section whose mount pitches are
the same as those of a mount frame to which there can be attached
a wiring accessory equal in size to an integral multiple of the
dimensions of a large-square string wiring accessory; and
at least a box mount hole, as an attachment section, into
which there can be inserted a box screw capable of being screwed
into a switch box of the wiring accessory.
According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the
twenty-fifth aspect is further provided in that the control section
has a function of assigning, in the setting mode, to the operation
section an individual address equivalent to the address of the
switch corresponding to the address of the load in a one-to-one
correspondence, and
a function of activating or deactivating the load in the
operation mode by means of the user operating the operation section
assigned the individual address.
According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention,
the remote supervisory control system as defined in the
twenty-sixth aspect is further provided in that the control section
has a function of assigning, in the setting mode, to the operation
section a group address equivalent to the addresses of the switches
corresponding to the addresses of the plurality of loads in a
one-to-many correspondence, and
''5 a function of bringing the plurality of loads into the same
36
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
,,...
state; activated or deactivated, in the operation mode by means
of the user operating the operation section assigned the group
address.
BRTEF DESCRT TT N O TH D AWTN S
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principal elements of
a remote supervisory control system according to a first embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of use
of the remote supervisory control system;
FIG. 3 is a descriptive view showing control procedures
according to which the remote supervisory control system shown in
FIG. 2 operates;
FIG. 4 is a descriptive view showing control procedures
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a descriptive view showing the control procedures
according to which a remote supervisory control system shown in
FIG. 4 operates;
FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of use
of a remote supervisory control system according to a third
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a descriptive view showing the control procedures
according to which the remote supervisory control system shown in
FIG. 6 operates;
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration
37
CA 02276453 2002-02-18
of a conventional remote supervisory control system;
' FIG. 9 is a descriptive view showing the operation of the
remote supervisory control system;
FIG. 10 is a descriptive view showing the control
procedures according to which the remote supervisory control
system shown in FIG. 8 operates;
FIG. 11 is a descriptive view the procedures according to
which the remote supervisory control system shown in FIG. 6
performs group control; and
FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing another example
of configuration of the remote supervisory control system.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a conventional remote
supervisory control system;
FIG. 14 is an example of a transmission signal used in the
system in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system of FIG. 13;
FIG. 16 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system of FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system of FIG. 13;
38
CA 02276453 2002-02-18
FIG. 18 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system of FIG. 13;
FIG. 19 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
38a
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system of FIG 13;
FIG. 20 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system of FIG 13;
FIG. 21 is a descriptive view showing the control procedures
according to which the remote supervisory control system shown in
FIG. 2 operates;
FIG. 22 is a data table according to which the remote
supervisory control system shown in FIG. 21 operates;
FIG. 23 is a modified data table according to which the remote
supervisory control system shown in FIG. 2 operates;
FIG. 24 is a descriptive view showing the control procedures
according to which the remote supervisory control system shown in
FIG. 23 operates;
FIG 25 is a descriptive view showing an address in bit map
format of a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG 26 is a descriptive view showing a seventh embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG 27 is a descriptive view showing an operation proceeding
in FIG 26;
FIG 28 is a descriptive view showing an eighth embodiment
of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a descriptive view showing an operation proceeding
in FIG 28;
39
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
FIG. 30 is a block diagram showing a setting operation
terminal used in a remote supervisory control system according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing an example of configuration
of the remote supervisory control system;
FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing the setting
operation terminal used in the remote supervisory control system;
FIG. 33 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
FIG. 34 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
FIG. 35 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
FIG. 36 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
FIG. 37 is a descriptive view for showing a change in the
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
FIG. 38 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
/~~
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
FIG. 39 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
FIG. 40 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
FIG. 41 is a descriptive view for showing a change in the
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system;
FIG. 42 is a descriptive view for showing an example of a
display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system; and
FIGS. 43A to 43C are descriptive views for showing an example
of a display indicated on the display unit of the remote supervisory
control system.
FIG. 1 shows a remote supervisory control system according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a
transfer controller 30 and control terminals 32.
The transfer controller 30 comprises a transfer processing
section 20, which includes a microprocessor. The transfer
processing section 20 is connected to a signal line Ls by way of
a transfer driver circuit 21. 'The operation of the transfer
41
CA 02276453 2002-02-18
processing section 20 is defined by a program stored in program
flush memory 22, which includes ROM. Correspondence between the
terminals is stored in rewritable data memory 23 in the form of
the table. Desirably, the data memory 23 comprises nonvolatile
memory such as EEPROM. The data which are exchanged between the
transfer controller 30 and the terminal during the operation of
the transfer controller 30 are stored in working memory 24
comprising, for example, RAM.
The control terminals 32 are for dimming purposes, and each
of the control terminals 32 is connected to a luminaire 33 (see
FIG. 2), thereby controlling the intensity of light output from
an illumination load provided in the luminaire 33. Consequently,
the control terminal 32 according to the embodiments will be
hereinafter referred to as a "dimmer terminal." In the case of
an incandescent lamp being used as an illumination load, a dimmer
including a triode AC switch (TRIAC) is incorporated in the
dimmer terminal 32. In the case of a luminescent lamp being used
as an illumination load, a dimmer incorporated in the luminaire
is controlled by outputting dimmer data. Specifically, if the
luminaire 33 includes an incandescent lamp, a dimmer control
section 14 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a dimmer. In
contrast, if the luminaire 33 includes a fluorescent lamp, the
dimmer control section 14 has a function of generating dimmer
data.
As has been described in connection with the related art,
the dimmer terminals 32 are connected to the transfer controller
42
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
,....,
30 by way of the two-wire Ls, and a transfer signal is transmitted
between the transfer controller 30 and the dimmer terminals 32 by
means of the time-division multiplex transmission method. Each of
the dimmer terminals 32 comprises a terminal processing section
10, which includes a microcomputer. The terminal processing .
section 10 is connected to the signal line Ls by way of a
transmit/receive circuit 11. The transmit/receive circuit 11
receives a bipolar transfer signal to be transmitted over the signal
line Ls and depolarizes the thus-received signal (or subjects the
signal to full-wave rectification) . The thus-rectified signal is
transmitted to a terminal processing section 10. Further, the
dimmer terminal 32 is also equipped with a power circuit for
extracting power from the transfer signal that is transmitted over
the signal line Ls. The signal returned to the transfer controller
30 from the terminal processing section 10 is converted into a
current-mode signal by means of the transmit/receive circuit 11,
and the current-mode signal is sent to the signal line Ls.
The dimmer terminal 32 is provided with an individual address
setting section l2.and a simultaneous control address setting
section 13. The simultaneous control address setting section 13
comprises nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM, and the individual
address setting section 12 comprises a dip switch or nonvolatile
memory. An individual address set in the individual address
setting section 12 is unique to the corresponding individual dimmer
terminal 32. Individual addresses of the dimmer terminals 32
43
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
connected to the signal line Ls are set in such a way as to avoid
an overlap. In contrast, a single simultaneous control address is
commonly set in the simultaneous control address setting sections
13 of the respective dimmer terminals 32 connected to the signal
line Ls. Only one individual address is set in the individual
address setting section 12, but a plurality of simultaneous control
addresses can be set in the simultaneous address setting section
13.
On the basis of the mode data included in the transfer signal
transmitted over the signal line Ls, the terminal processing
section 10 selects as the address of the dimmer terminal 32 either
the individual address or the simultaneous control address. In a
case where the mode data are set to an individual mode, if a match
exists between the address data included in the transfer signal
and the individual address set in the individual address setting
section 12, the terminal processing section 10 controls the
illumination loads by way of the dimmer control section 14. In a
case where the mode data are set in a group control mode, if a match
exists between the address data included in the transfer signal
and the simultaneous control address, the terminal processing
section 10 controls the illumination load by way of the dimmer
control section 14.
As mentioned above, the dimmer terminal 32 has two types of
addresses; i.e., the individual address and the simultaneous
control address. When pattern control (i.e., group control) is
44
,.-.
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
effected, target luminance level instructions are sequentially
sent to the dimmer terminals 32 which are the objects of pattern
control. Subsequently, an instruction for starting a dimmer
operation is sent to the dimmer terminals 32 through use of the
simultaneous address; namely, the plurality of dimmer terminals
32 assigned the same simultaneous control address receive a dimmer
start instruction substantially simultaneously, thus controlling
the illumination loads without involvement of a time lag. More
specifically, according to the present embodiment, the plurality
of dimmer terminals 32 can receive a signal transfer signal through
use of the simultaneous control address.
As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of dimmer terminals 32 (three
terminals in FIG. 2) are connected to the transfer controller 30
by way of the signal line Ls, through multidrop connection.
Operation terminals 31a and 31b are connected to the signal line
Ls, wherein each of the operation terminals 31a is associated with
a single illumination load (as mentioned previously, the luminaire
33 comprises illumination loads) in a one-to-one relationship, and
each of the operation terminals 31b is associated with a plurality
of illumination loads. Each of the operation terminals 31a and 32b
comprises an on/off switch Sa for instructing an illumination load
to be illuminated or extinguished; an UP switch Sb for instructing
the illumination load to increase the intensity of light output
therefrom; a DOWN switch Sc for instructing the illumination load
to decrease the intensity of light; and a display section LD which
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
,,..
comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes aligned in a single
file and indicates the intensity (the dimmer state) of light output
from a corresponding illumination load by means of the number of
illuminated light-emitting diodes. Although not shown in the
drawings, a display terminal for indicating the operating status
of the illumination loads on a per-group basis is connected to the
signal line Ls, as required, in order to intensively monitor the
operating status of the illumination loads in a monitoring room.
The operation terminal 31a associated with a single illumination
load is called an "individual dimmer switch." The operation
terminal 31b associated with a plurality of illumination loads is
called a "pattern dimmer switch".
When any one of the switches Sa to Sc of one of the individual
dimmer switches 31a is actuated, the transfer controller 30
transmits operation information pertaining to the thus-pushed
switch to the single dimmer terminal 32 previously associated with
the switch 31a in a preset relationship. The on/off switch Sa
instructs activation or deactivation of the illumination load. If
either the UP switch Sb or the DOwN switch Sc is actuated while
the illumination load is in an activated state, the intensity of
light output from the illumination load is adjusted accordingly.
For example, if the DOWN switch Sc is pressed, the dimmer terminal
32 is instructed to start decreasing the intensity of light. When
the DOWN switch Sc is released, the dimmer terminal 32 is instructed
to stop decreasing the intensity of light.
46
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
The UP switch Sb and the DOWN switch Sc instruct the dimmer
terminal 32 by means of the transfer signal and through use of two
parameters; namely, a point in time at which pressing of the switch
is commenced and a point in time at which the switch is released.
Upon receipt of the transfer signal which is output as a result
of the user pressing either the UP switch Sb or the DOWN switch
Sc, the dimmer terminal 32 changes the intensity of light output
from the illumination load at a given rate in association with lapse
of time, from the time changing of light intensity is started until
the time changing of light intensity is stopped. In practice, the
intensity of the light output from the illumination load is changed
stepwise. The amount of change in light intensity per step and the
rate of change of light intensity per second are set in such a way
that the light output from the illumination load appears to be
changing continuously.
When the switch Sa of the pattern dimmer switch 31b is actuated,
the transfer signal is transmitted to the respective dimmer
terminals 32 belonging to the group, in a manner such as that shown
in FIG. 3. In the configuration of the remote supervisory control
system shown in FIG. 3, the pattern dimmer switch 31b is assigned
to the same simultaneous control address assigned to the dimmer
terminals 32(1), 32(2), and 32(3).
When the switch Sd of the group dimmer switch 31b is pushed,
an operation signal OP1 for instructing control of light intensity
is transmitted to the transfer controller 30. The transfer
47
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contro11er30sequentially transmits to the dimmer terminals32(1),
32 ( 2 ) , and 32 ( 3 ) control s ignals CN11, CN12 , and CN13 , respectively,
each of which includes a target luminance (dimmer) level as control
data. More specifically, the control signal CN11 comprises the
individual address of the dimmer terminal 32(1) as address data
and also comprises the target luminance level of the illumination
load connected to the dimmer terminal 32 ( 1 ) as control data. Each
of the dimmer terminals 32 stores the target luminance level . After
having sequentially transmitted the control signals CN11, CN12,
and CN13 through the signal line Ls, the transfer controller 30
transmits a transfer signal, which is assigned the simultaneous
control address ( i. e. , the control signal CN14 ) , through the signal
line Ls in a group control mode. The dimmer terminals 32 ( 1 ) , 32 ( 2 ) ,
and 32(3) receive the control signal CN14 substantially
simultaneously. As a result, the dimmer terminals 32(1), 32(2),
and 32 ( 3 ) substantially simultaneously start dimming the intensity
of the illumination nodes. Through such procedures, the operation
information is substantially simultaneously transmitted from the
pattern dimmer switch 31b to each of the dimmer terminals 32 without
involvement of a time lag, regardless of the number of the dimmer
terminals 32 . The operation signal OP1 and the control signals CN11
to CN14 are transfer signals.
So long as a plurality of simultaneous control addresses are
assigned to a single dimmer terminal 32, the dimmer terminal 32
can belong to different groups. For example, a conference room or
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
a presentation room may be used as a single room or used while being
partitioned into a plurality of compartments . In such a case, the
range of the illumination loads to be subjected to group control
is changed. The illumination loads included in one group must be
also be joined to another group. If the individual dimmer terminal
32 can be assigned only one simultaneous control address, the dimmer
terminal 32 can be included in only one group. The remote
supervisory control system according to the present embodiment
enables the individual dimmer terminal 32 to belong to several
groups. Even if a individual dimmer terminal is registered in a
plurality of groups in an overlapping manner, no problems arise,
thereby enabling dynamic and easy setting of group control.
As mentioned above, since a plurality of simultaneous control
addresses can be assigned to an individual dimmer terminal 32, each
dimmer terminal 32 can be included in several different groups.
For example, a conference room or a presentation room may be used
as a single room or used while being partitioned into a plurality
of compartments. In such a case, the range of the illumination
loads to be subjected, to group control is changed. The illumination
loads included in a single group must be separated into different
groups . If the individual dimmer terminal 32 can be assigned only
one simultaneous control address, the dimmer terminal 32 can be
included in only one group. The remote supervisory control system
according to the first embodiment enables the individual dimmer
terminal 32 to belong to several groups. Even if a individual
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
dimmer terminal is registered in a plurality of groups in an
overlapping manner, no problems arise, thereby enabling dynamic
and easy setting of group control.
Group data representing the groups to which the dimmer
terminal 32 to be subjected to group control belongs are stored
in the data memory 23 of the transfer controller 30. The group data
may be set by the transfer controller 30 or by means of a transfer
signal transmitted from a group setting device by way of the signal
line Ls. For example, if the group of the dimmer terminals 32 is
changed ( i . a . , the group data are changed ) as a result of a change
in the layout of the room, the simultaneous control address must
again be assigned to the dimmer terminals 32. Assigning a
simultaneous control address to the respective dimmer terminals
32 is achieved by a method of transmitting a simultaneous control
address to the dimmer terminals 32 by way of the signal line Ls,
or by a method of transmitting a simultaneous control address to
the dimmer terminals 32 by way of another transmission line.
According to the latter method, a simultaneous control address is
prepared by a setting device provided separately from the remote
supervisory control system, and the simultaneous control address
is transmitted to the dimmer terminals 32 through use of an optical
wireless signal or a connection line connected to the dimmer
terminals 32. In contrast, according to the former method, a
simultaneous control address is transmitted to the dimmer terminals
32 from the transfer controller 30 by way of the signal line Ls.
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
When setting or changing the dimmer terminals 32 to be
subjected to group control, the transfer controller 30 detects the
simultaneous control addresses that are currently used and assigns
an available simultaneous control address to the respective dimmer
terminals 32. In other words, the remote supervisory control
system is brought into a state in which the system enables setting
of group control ( i.e. , the system is activated in a group setting
mode). If instructions (imparted from the outside by a
manufacturer) for associating the pattern dimmer switches 31b with
illumination loads (the dimmer terminals 32) are provided, an
available simultaneouscontrol address is automatically calculated,
and the thus-calculated simultaneous control address is
transmitted to-in the form of an address setting signal-and
registered in the respective dimmer terminals 32.
An available simultaneous control address is automatically
selected through use of the foregoing transfer controller 30, and
the thus-selected address is registered into the respective dimmer
terminals 32. Consequently, group control can be set without
requiring awareness of thesimultaneous control address. Further,
so long as the dimmer terminals 32 which are to be assigned the
simultaneous control address are selected, the transfer controller
performs an operation for assigning the simultaneous control
address to the respective dimmer terminals 32. Hence, in
comparison with the operation for assigning a simultaneous control
25 address to the respective dimmer terminals 32, the operation is
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
facilitated.
Even in a case where the number of dimmer terminals 32 is
increased in association with extension of the remote supervisory
control system or where the individual addresses of the existing
dimmer terminals 32 are changed, a simultaneous control address
must be assigned to the additionally-provided dimmer terminals 32
or the dimmer terminals 32 whose individual addresses are changed.
To this end, the additionally-provided dimmer terminals 32 or the
dimmer terminals 32 whose individual addresses are changed inform
the transfer controller 30 of addition of the dimmer terminals or
change of the individual addresses by issuing an interrupt signal
during a full-time polling operation. The transfer controller 30
transmits a simultaneous control address to all the dimmer
terminals 32 by means of the address setting signal, to thereby
assign the simultaneous control address to the dimmer terminals
32. A simultaneous control address available for the dimmer
terminals 32 that have informed the transfer controller 30 is
determined through the foregoing processing operation, and the
thus-determined simultaneous control address is registered.
As mentioned above, in a case where the individual addresses
are assigned to new dimmer terminals 32 or the individual addresses
assigned to the dimmer terminals 32 are changed, the transfer
controller 30 automatically determines a simultaneous control
address corresponding to the group to which the dimmer terminals
32 belong and assigns the thus-determined simultaneous control
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
-~~.
address to the dimmer terminals 32 through use of the transfer signal,
thus greatly facilitating the operation for setting a simultaneous
control address.
As mentioned above, in a case where the simultaneous control
address is assigned to the dimmer terminals 32 by means of the
transfer signal, in practice the simultaneous control address may
not be correctly transmitted to the dimmer terminals 32 and another
different simultaneous control address may be set to the dimmer
terminals 32 under the influence of noise entering the signal line
Ls . In this case, as a matter of course, a group dimmer operation
differing from an intended operation may be performed.
In the present embodiment, this problem is prevented by
setting a simultaneous control address according to procedures
which will be described below.
The transfer controller 30 assigns a simultaneous control
address to the dimmer terminals 32 in conjunction with
identification data pertaining to the simultaneous control address .
The identification data correspond to checksum data which are
formed by summation of the individual addresses of the respective
dimmer terminals 32 at a point in time when a simultaneous control
address is set and the simultaneous control address includes 16
data sets, each data set comprising 8 bits. Before assigning a
simultaneous control address to the dimmer terminals 32, the
transfer controller 30 performs a polling operation and requests
the respective dimmer terminals 32 to return their identification
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
data that had been most recently set through use of the transfer
signal, thereby acquiring the checksum data comprising the
individual addresses that had been assigned to the respective
dimmer terminals most recently and that are included in the
identification data and the simultaneous control data that had
been set most recently. The thus-acquired checksum data ( i. e. , the
identification data) are compared with the identification data
stored in the data memory 23. If a match exists between the
identification data stored in the data memory 23 and the thus-
acquired identification data; i.e., if the simultaneous control
address corresponding to a certain individual address is identical
with the simultaneous control address which is to be set, there
is no need to re-assign the simultaneous control address to the
dimmer terminals 32. For this reason, assignment of the
simultaneous control address is not carried out. Only when a
difference exists between the identification data stored in the
data memory 23 and the acquired identification data, a simultaneous
control address must be assigned to the dimmer terminals 32. In
such a case, a simultaneous control address is transmitted to and
assigned to the dimmer terminals 32 by use of a transfer signal,
thereby assuring assignment of simultaneous control data by means
of the transfer signal. After checking of simultaneous control
data and assignment of the simultaneous control data to all the
terminals, a checksum pertaining to all the transmitted data sets
is exchanged, thereby improving reliability of simultaneous
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control data.
If the remote supervisory system is shut down before the
transfer controller 30 has finished assigning a simultaneous
control address to the dimmer terminals 32, in practice the
simultaneous control data which should be activated may not match .
the simultaneous control address assigned to the respective dimmer
terminals 32. As a matter of course, a group dimmer operation
differing from an intended group dimmer operation is performed.
Such a faulty operation can be prevented, so long as the transfer
controller 30 checks, upon turn-on, the simultaneous control
address assigned to the dimmer terminals 32 which are connected
to the signal line Ls. If the simultaneous control address differs
from an address which should be assigned to the dimmer terminals
32, the transfer controller 30 re-assigns a correct simultaneous
control address to the dimmer terminals 32 through use of the
transfer signal. Alternatively, during the polling operation
which is usually performed by the transfer controller 30, the
transfer controller 30 may check the simultaneous control address.
On the basis of the light output data returned from the dimmer
terminals 32 within the group by means of the polling operation
performed by the transfer controller 30, the display of the display
section LD of each of the group dimmer switches 31b is changed.
Actual emission of light from the illumination loads within the
group lags behind the appearance of an indication on the display
section LD of the group dimmer switch 31b. The user may consider
CA 02276453 2002-06-12
such a time lag to be strange.
While the light output from the illumination loads within the
group is being changed, the transfer controller 30 refers to a
table of the group data stored in the data memory 23 and polls the
individual dimmer terminals 32 belonging to the group in
preference to other terminals . If the dimmer terminals 32 to be
subjected to group control are polled in a prioritized manner, the
dimmer terminals 32 return data pertaining to the light output
from the illumination loads within the group. As a result, there
is prevented a time lag between actual illumination of the
illumination loads and the appearance o f an indication on the
display section LD of the group dimmer :>witch 31b, thus enabling
indication of a display without involvement of a time lag, which
would otherwise occur and be considered strange by the user.
Second Embodiment
In a case where a luminaire is illuminated in a room at
night, if the intensity of light of the luminaire increases
instantaneously, a heavy load is exerted on the eyes . A second
embodiment is provided by providing the dimmer terminal 32 for
individual control purpose with a fade function for gradually
increasing the intensity of the light output from the
illumination loads at the time of actuation of the on/off switch
Sa of the individual dimmer switch 31a. The remote supervisory
control system according to the present embodiment is equal in
basic configuration to the remote supervisory control system
according
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
to the first embodiment, and hence its explanation and illustration
are omitted here.
Data which are registered beforehand in the data memory 23
of the transfer controller 30 pertain to an extent ( i. e. , a target
dimmer level ) to which the illumination loads of the corresponding
dimmer terminal 32 are illuminated at the time of actuation of the
on/off switch Sa of the individual dimmer switch 31a. The dimmer
level data may be set by means of the individual dimmer switch 31a
or by means of a pattern setting device, which will be described
later.
The operation of individual control according to the second
embodiment will now be described by reference to an example shown
in FIG. 4. In this example, the intensity of the illumination load
of the dimmer terminal 32 is increased to a target dimmer level
of 60% (a target dimmer level of 100% corresponds to maximum
illumination of the illumination loads) within three seconds (this
period of time is called "fade time") by means of the individual
dimmer switch 31a. In the system shown in FIG. 4, the individual
address of the individual dimmer switch 31a is associated with the
individual address of the dimmer terminal 32.
When the on/off switch Sa of the individual dimmer switch
31a is pressed, the individual dimmer switch 31a transmits to the
transfer controller 30 an operation signal OPon representing that
the on/off switch Sa is pressed. The transfer controller 30
transmits a level signal CNL representing a preset target dimmer
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
level (of 60%) to the dimmer.terminal 32 associated with the
individual address of the individual dimmer switch 31a that has
transmitted the operation signal OPon. Subsequently, the transfer
controller 30 also transmits to the dimmer terminal 32 an ON signal
CNon for activating the illumination load at a dimmer level of 0%.
The target dimmer level received by the dimmer terminal 32 is stored
in memory, and upon receipt of the ON signal CNon the dimmer terminal
32 activates the illumination load at a dimmer level of 0%.
The transfer controller 30 transmits to the dimmer terminal
32 a fade start signal CNfe including a fade time (= three seconds ) .
Upon receipt of the fade start signal CNfe, the dimmer terminal
32 calculates the rate of dimming required for increasing the
intensity of the illumination load from a dimmer level of 0% to
a target dimmer level ( of 60% ) within three seconds . According to
the thus-calculated rate of dimming, the dimmer terminal 32
performs a so-called fade-in operation, to thereby gradually
increase the intensity of the illumination load.
Extinction of the illumination load illuminated at the target
dimmer level will now be described by reference to FIG. 5.
When the on/off switch Sa of the individual dimmer switch
31a is pushed while the illumination load is illuminated at the
target dimmer level (of 60%), the individual dimmer switch 31a
transmits to the transfer controller 30 an operation signal OPoff
representing that the on/off switch Sa is pushed. The transfer
controller 30 transmits a level signal CNL representing a target
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
dimmer level (of 0%) to the dimmer terminal 32 associated with the
individual address of the individual dimmer switch 31a that has
transmitted the operation signal OPoff. The target dimmer level
received by the dimmer terminal 32 is stored in memory.
Next, the transfer controller 30 transmits to the dimmer
terminal 32 the fade start signal CNfe including a fade time (of
three seconds). Upon receipt of the fade start signal CNfe, the
dimmer terminal 32 calculates the rate of dimming required for
decreasing the intensity of the illumination load from the target
dimmer level of 60% to a dimmer level of 0% within three seconds.
According to the thus-calculated rate of dimming, the dimmer
terminal 32 performs a so-called fade-out operation, to thereby
gradually decrease the dimmer level of the illumination load.
Simultaneous with transmission of the fade start signal CNfe, the
transfer controller 30 starts counting the fade time. At a point
in time when the transfer controller 30 has finished counting the
fade time, an OFF signal CNoff for deactivating the illumination
load is transmitted to the dimmer terminal 32. The dimmer terminal
32 that has received the OFF signal CNoff deactivates the
illumination load.
As mentioned above, through the pushing action of the on/off
switch Sa of the individual dimmer switch 31a, the corresponding
dimmer terminal 32 gradually changes the dimmer level of the
illumination load at the rate of dimming calculated from the target
dimmer level and the fade time. Accordingly, the intensity of light
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
output from the illumination load is gradually changed, to thereby
mitigate the load exerted on the eyes due to dazzle, as well as
to enable elaborate control of illumination according to the
environment.
The user may desire to gradually change the dimmer level of
the illumination load in a certain location but to quickly change
the dimmer level of the illumination load placed in another location.
To this end, the fade time can be arbitrarily set from one
illumination load to another, thereby enabling elaborate control
of illumination according to the environment.
Of the luminaires arranged over a wide area such as a
conference room, the luminance of only the luminaires located in
a place where, for example, an OHP is projected is decreased until
it becomes lower than the luminance of the luminaires located in
the other locations within the room. In such a case, pattern
control is effected to thereby realize desired illumination by
collectively controlling a plurality of illumination loads. Even
during such pattern control, if the intensity of light output from
the illumination loads is changed suddenly, the occupants of the
room are dazzled, thus exerting a heavy load on the eyes . In the
third embodiment, such a problem is prevented by application of
a fade function to the pattern control.
At the time of realization of the fade function during pattern
control, consideration must be given to the point that the light
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
output from the plurality of illumination loads to be subjected
to pattern control must start or stop increasing simultaneously.
In the pattern control performed by the conventional remote
supervisory control system, the transfer controller-which has
received an operation signal from the operation terminals for
pattern control purposes-refers to a pattern table having patterns
registered therein and sequentially transmits control data to the
respective dimmer terminals . As a result, a time lag arises in the
timing at which the dimmer terminals start or stop changing the
intensity of light output from the illumination loads.
The present embodiment solves such a problem by performing
pattern control according to the following procedures.
FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a remote supervisory control
system according to the third embodiment. The system differs from
the system according to the first embodiment only in that an
operation terminal for pattern control use (hereinafter referred
to as a "pattern switch" ) 31c and an operation terminal ( hereinafter
referred to as a "group switch" ) 31d for collectively activating
or deactivating the illumination loads within the group are
connected to the transfer controller 30 by way of the signal line
Ls. Pattern data are stored in the data memory 23 of the transfer
controller 30 beforehand. The pattern data comprise individual
addresses of the respective dimmer terminals 32 which control the
illumination loads to be subjected to pattern control; target
dimmer levels of the respective dimmer terminals 32; a fade time;
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
and a simultaneous control address commonly assigned to the
respective dimmer terminals 32.
The pattern control operation of the remote supervisory
control system according to the, third embodiment will be described
by reference to an example shown in FIG. 7. In this example, the
illumination loads of dimmer terminals 32 ( 1 ) to 32 ( 4 ) are increased
to their respective target dimmer levels within a fade time of six
seconds by means of the pattern switch 31c : namely, the illumination
load of the dimmer terminal 32 ( 1 ) is increased to a target dimmer
level of 30%; the illumination load of the dimmer terminal 32 ( 2 )
is increased to a target dimmer level of 60%; the illumination load
of the dimmer terminal 32 ( 3 ) is increased to a target dimmer level
of 100%; and the illumination load of the dimmer terminal 32(4)
is increased to a target dimmer level of 0%. In the system
configuration shown in FIG. 7, the individual addresses of the
pattern switch 31c are associated with the simultaneous control
address of the dimmer terminals 32(1) to 32(4).
When the switch Sd of the pattern switch 31c is pushed, the
pattern switch 3lc.transmits an operation signal OPon to the
transfer controller 30. After referring to the pattern table
stored in the data memory 23, the transfer controller 30
sequentially transmits signals CNL1 to CNL4 representing the
respective preset target dimmer levels to the respective dimmer
terminals 32(1) to 32(4) which are assigned the simultaneous
control address corresponding to the individual address of the
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
pattern switch 31c that has transmitted the signal OPon, by means
of the transfer signal which handles individual addresses as
address data. Next, the transfer controller 30 sequentially
transmits the ON signal CNon for activating the illumination loads
at a dimmer level of 0%, by means of the same transfer signal which
handles individual addresses as address data. The target dimmer
levels received by the respective dimmer terminals 32 ( 1 ) to 32 ( 4 )
are stored in memory. At a point in time when the dimmer terminals
32 ( 1 ) to 32 ( 4 ) receive the ON signal, the dimmer terminals activate
the illumination loads at a dimmer level of 0%.
Subsequently, the transfer controller 30 transmits the fade
start signal CNfe including a fade time (of six seconds) to the
respective dimmer terminals 32 ( 1 ) to 32 ( 4 ) , by means of the transfer
signal which handles the simultaneous control address as address
data. As a result, the respective dimmer terminals 32 ( 1 ) to 32 (4 )
can receive thefadestartsignal CNfesubstantiallysimultaneously.
Upon receipt of the fade start signal CNfe, the dimmer terminals
32(1) to 32(4) each calculate the rate of dimming required for
increasing the intensity of the illumination load to the respective
target dimmer level within six seconds from a dimmer level of 0%,
and increase the intensity of the illumination loads according to
the calculated rate of dimming (i.e., the fade-in operation).
Simultaneous with transmission of the fade start signal CNfe, the
transfer controller 30 starts counting the fade time. At a point
in time when the transfer controller 30 has finished counting the
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
,.: ~,
fade time, the OFF signal CNoff_ for deactivating the illumination
loads is transmitted to the dimmer terminal 32(4) whose target
dimmer level is set to 0%. The dimmer terminal 32(4) that has
received the OFF signal CNoff deactivates the illumination load.
As mentioned above, through the pushing action of the switch
Sd of the pattern switch 31c, each of the corresponding dimmer
terminals 32 ( 1 ) to 32 ( 4 ) calculates the rate of dimming from the
target dimmer levels and the fade time. Upon receipt, from the
transfer controller 30, of the fade start signal CNfe which handles
the address data as a simultaneous control address, the dimmer
terminals 32(1) to 32(4) gradually change the intensity of the
illumination loads in unison to their respective target dimmer
levels. As a result of simultaneously changing of the intensity
of the illumination loads to be subjected to pattern control,
natural pattern control can be effected . Further, gradual change
in the intensity of light enables mitigation of a burden exerted
on the eyes due to dazzle and enables elaborate control of
illumination according to the environment.
There user max desire to gradually change the dimmer level
of the illumination load in a certain location but to quickly change
the dimmer level of the illumination load placed in another location.
To this end, the fade time can be arbitrarily set from one
illumination load to another, thereby enabling elaborate control
of illumination according to the environment.
In the pattern control such as that mentioned previously,
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
current illumination can be switched to preset illumination by
means of pushing the switch Sd of the pattern switch 31c. However,
a plurality of illumination loads can be repeatedly activated and
deactivated. To achieve such operation of the plurality of
illumination loads, there is performed group control for
collectively activating and deactivating the plurality of
illumination loads. Specifically, the individual address of the
group switch 31d of the remote supervisory control system shown
in FIG. 6 is associated with the simultaneous control address of
the dimmer terminals 32 which control the plurality of illumination
loads to be subjected to group control. Even in this case, target
dimmer levels are transmitted to the respective dimmer terminals
32 beforehand according to the previously-described procedures.
So long as the fade start signal CNfe is transmitted to the dimmer
terminals 32 by means of the simultaneous control address, the
plurality of illumination loads can be simultaneously activated
and deactivated without involvement of a time lag, which would
otherwise occur and be considered strange by the user. So long as
a fade time can be arbitrarily in units comprising a plurality of
groups, illumination can be controlled elaborately according to
the environment.
Fourth embodiment
As shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of luminaires (indicated
by O) are mounted on the ceiling of a story in an office building.
The story is divided into a plurality of sections (corresponding
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
to spaces assigned to departments and sections of a corporation
and a shared spaced such as a corridor). A plurality of
illumination loads (or luminaires) provided in each section are
controlled in a grouped manner. The living space of the story
exclusive of the corridor is roughly divided into three areas A1
to A3. The areas A1 to A3 are further divided into a plurality of
sections; namely, the area A1 is divided into four sections B11
to B14; the area A2 is divided into three sections B21 to B23; and
the area A3 is divided into five sections H31 to B35.
FIG. 22 shows one example of a data table stored in the data
memory 23. Group numbers G1 to Gn are assigned to the areas A1 to
A3 and the sections B11 to B35, respectively. Numbers
corresponding to the plurality of luminaires belonging to the
groups assigned the group numbers are registered in box "Object
Circuit." The numerals such as "1," "2," or like numerals
registered in the column "Object Circuit" correspond to the
addresses of the control terminals 32 for controlling the
illumination loads. The column entitled "Display Attribute"
represents a display method employed by the indication lamp of the
operation terminal 31 and the display terminal. In the present
embodiment, the display method can be selectively switched
according to the groups, and the thus-switched display method can
be stored in the data memory 23. For example, as shown in FIG. 22,
the operation status display method is selected for the groups GI
and G2, and the monitored state display method is selected for the
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
group G3. The thus-selected methods are set in the data table.
The switches Sa to Sc of each of the operation terminals 31
are associated with the respective groups G1 to Gn. When one of
the switches Sa to Sc is actuated, the transfer controller 30 refers
to the data table registered in the data memory 23. In order to
illuminate or extinguish the illumination loads associated with
the group numbers G1 to Gn, the transfer controller 30 transmits
control data to the control terminal 32. So long as the status of
the illumination loads is returned to the transfer controller 30
from the control terminals 32, the transfer controller 30 refers
to the data table stored in the data memory 23. According to the
display method corresponding to the display attribute of the group,
the transfer controller 30 sends data for instructing
illumination/extinction to the operation terminals 31 and the
display terminal. As a result, the indication lamps of the
respective operation terminals 31 and the indication lamp of the
display terminal display the status of the illumination loads
according to the display methods.
The conventional remote supervisory control system can set
the display method to either the operation status display method
or the monitored status display method. However, according to the
present embodiment, the display method can be selectively changed
in units comprising a plurality of groups in a single system and
stored in the data memory 23 of the transfer controller 30. As a
result, the display method can be selected according to the object
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
of use of the switches Sa to Sc of each of the operation terminals
31. In the foregoing example, a group of luminaires, such as those
in section B11, are locally illuminated or extinguished. In this
case, the operation status display method is employed. For areas
A1 to A3 which must be intensively monitored in connection with
unextinguished illumination luminaires 33 at the center monitoring
room, the monitored status display method can be employed. Since
a display method can be selected according to the purpose of use
within a single system, the remote supervisory control system has
an advantage of simplification of a system configuration. If the
same areas A1 to A3 and the section B11 are monitored and controlled
by means of pattern control, two circuits; i.e., a circuit for
activating the illumination loads and a circuit for deactivating
the illumination loads, are required. In contrast, if the
monitored status display method such as that described in
connection with the first embodiment is employed, the method may
be implemented in the form of a single circuit, thus minimizing
the number of circuits to be controlled.
Various setting operations, such as the assignment of the
group number G1 to Gn and the setting of a display attribute, are
performed by the setting device 40. More specifically, the setting
device 40 is connected to the signal line Ls, and setting data (such
as data pertaining to the assignment group numbers G1 to Gn and
setting of a display attribute) are prepared. The thus-prepared
setting data are transmitted to the transfer controller 30 by way
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
of the signal line Ls. Upon .receipt of the setting data, the
transfer controller 30 registers the setting data into the data
table stored in the data memory 23. Alternatively, the setting
operations may be performed by use of a so-called selector switch
having the function of an operation terminal. Further, data may
be directly checked or set in the transfer controller 30 by means
of a personal computer without use of the signal line Ls. Under
any of the methods, setting and checking of the data can be effected
in the field, and hence the method can be flexibly subjected to
a change in system configuration after construction. Further, the
display method can be set and checked by use of the setting device
40 or a selector switch. Therefore, the user can readily set the
display method. In conjunction with setting of circuits of the
operation terminals 31 which are subjected to pattern and group
control operations, the user can also freely assign the display
method, thus enabling the setting of the display method.
The remote supervisory control system according to the fifth
embodiment is substantially identical in structure to the remote
supervisory control system according to the fourth embodiment, and
hence identical portions are omitted from the drawings and
explanations. An explanation will be given of only a configuration
and operation characterizing the second embodiment.
The fifth embodiment is characterized by that the ON-
prioritized control method and the later-operation-prioritized
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control method, both of which are described in connection with the
prior art, can be set in the data memory 23 of the transfer controller
30 for each group.
FIG. 23 shows one example of a data table stored in the data
memory 23. In this embodiment also, group numbers G1 to Gn are
assigned to the areas A1 to A3 and the sections B11 to B35 shown
in FIG. 21, respectively. One of the columns set for the group
numbers G1 to G35 is entitled "Control Attribute. " A control method
can be selectively switched between the ON-prioritized control
method and the later-operation-prioritized control method, for
each group. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the ON-prioritized
control method is selected for the G1 and G2 groups, and the
later-operation-prioritized control method is selected for the
group G3. The thus-selected control methods are set in the data
table.
As shown in FIG. 24 (A) , areas of group numbers G1 and G2 are
set for the ON-prioritized control method, and the area of group
number G3 isset for thelater-operation-prioritized control method.
When a switch associated with group number G1 is actuated while
all the illumination loads are illuminated (illumination is
depicted by O) , the illumination loads provided in the area of group
G1 are extinguished (extinction is depicted by x). However, the
illumination loads located in an overlap between the area of group
G1 and the area of group G2 are excluded from the objects of
deactivation and remain illuminated. Although all the
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
illumination loads provided in. the area of group G1 are included
in the area of group G3, the group G3 is set to the later-
operation-prioritized control method. Hence, the illumination
loads provided in the area of group G1 can be extinguished by
actuation of a switch associated with group G1 which is set to the
ON-prioritized control method. Further, as shown in FIG. 24(B),
a switch associated with group G3 is actuated while all the
illumination loads are illuminated, and illumination loads
belonging to group numbers G1 and G2 are extinguished regardless
of the state of the illumination loads, because group G3 is set
to the later-operation-prioritized control method.
In the conventional remote supervisory control system, the
control method can be set to either the ON-prioritized control
method or the later-operation-prioritized control method.
However, according to the present embodiment, the control method
can be selectively changed in units comprising a plurality of groups
within a single system and stored in the data memory 5 of the transfer
controller 1. As a result, the control method can be selected
according to the object of use of the switches S1 to S3 of each
of the operation terminals 31. In the foregoing example, a group
of luminaires, such as those in section B11, are locally illuminated
or extinguished. In this case, the ON-prioritized method is
adopted. The later-operation-prioritized control method can be
employed for areas A1 to A3, which must be intensively monitored
at the center monitoring room, in terms of unextinguished
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CA 02276453 2002-02-18
illumination luminaries 33. Since the control method can be
selected according to the purpose of use within a single system,
the remote supervisory control system has an advantage of
simplifying system configuration.
In the second embodiment, only the illumination loads
associated with a plurality of switches which are set to the ON-
prioritized control method (in the above example, the
illumination loads registered in the overlap between the area of
group number G1 and the area of group number G2) are excluded
from the deactivating action of another switch. Therefore, ON-
prioritized function becomes effective only in the overlap
between groups (G1 and G2). Illumination loads belonging to
another group (G3) which is not set to the ON-prioritized control
method are not excluded from the deactivating action of another
switch. Accordingly, no problems arise, even if individual
illumination loads desired to be subjected to ON-prioritized
control belong to another later-operation-prioritized control
group. As a result, a dummy control terminal such as that
described in connection with the prior art is not required to be
provided in each of the groups.
Assignment of group numbers G1 ... Gn and various setting
operations such as setting of a display attribute are performed
by use of the setting device 40. Alternatively, the setting
operations may be performed by use of a so-called selector switch
having the function of an operation terminal. Further, data may
be directly checked or set in the transfer controller 30 by means
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of a personal computer, without use of the signal line Ls. Under
any of the methods, setting and checking of the data can be effected
in the field, and hence the method can be flexibly adapted to a
change in the system configuration after construction. Further,
the display method can be set and checked by use of the setting
device 40 or the selector switch. Therefore, the user can readily
set the display method. In conjunction with setting of circuits
of the operation terminals 31 which are subjected to group control,
the user can also freely assign the display method, thus enabling
the setting of the display according to actual use.
The selection and setting of a control attribute according
to the fifth embodiment may be carried out in combination with the
selection and setting of a display method described in connection
with the fourth embodiment. For example, local operation groups
(G1 and G2) are assigned the later-operation-prioritized control
method and the operation status display method. Loads placed in
an overlap between local groups are assigned the ON-prioritized
control method and the operation status-display method. A group
(G3) including loads whose operation states are monitored by the
center is assigned the later-operation-prioritized control method
and the monitored status display method. As a result, the
convenience of the remote supervisory control system can be
improved greatly.
Sixth embodiment
In the present embodiment, a plurality of simultaneous
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control addresses are assigned .to one dimmer terminal 32. In the
conventional remote supervisory control system, an address is
stored as data comprising several words. Accordingly, Creating a
terminal which is assigned a plurality of addresses requires memory
whose capacity is at least an integral multiple of the number of
addresses, which in turn renders the terminal large and adds to
cost. Further, setting of an address consumes much time. For
example, provided that setting of one address involves 8 bits of
data, if physical addresses are OOH to FFH, setting of 256 addresses
involves 2048 bits of data. Further, in a case where a plurality
of addresses (N addresses) are assigned to a terminal and the
addresses are associated with circuits (1) to (N), respectively,
the following control as shown in FIG. 6 will be required.
Specifically, upon receipt of a transfer signal, the terminal
determines whether or not the address data included in the transfer
signal match the address of the circuit (1). Only when a match
exists between the addresses, processing to be executed at the time
of address matching is performed. If no match exists between the
addresses, a determination is made as to whether or not the address
data and the address of the circuit ( 2 ) match. Only when a match
exists, processing to be executed at the time of address matching
is performed. If no match exists, a determination is made as to
whether or not a match exists between the address data and the
address of circuit (N). Only when a match exists, processing to
be executed at the time of address matching is performed. A maximum
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CA 02276453 2002-06-12
of N determination are made. Since a determination as to address
matching consumes much time, the transfer_ rate must be decreased
or the number of circuits must be reduced.
To solve this type of problem, the dimmer terminal 32 is
provided with address setting memory M, wherein the position of
each bit is associated with a single address, as shown in FIG.
25. An address flag is set in any of t:he bit positions of the
address setting memory M, and the address corresponding to the
bit position is taken as the address of the dimmer terminal 32.
FIG. 25 shows 32 x 8 bit map memory. Respective bits in the
first row are associated with OOH-1FH in order from the left;
respective bits in the second row are associated with 20H-3FH in
order from the left; respective bits in the third row are
associated with 40H-5FH in order from the left; respective bits
in the fourth row are associated with 60H-7FH in order from the
left; respective bits in the fifth row are associated with 80H-
9FH in order from the left; respective bits in the sixth row are
associated with AOH-BFH in order from the left; respective bits
in the seventh row are associated with C0H-DFT in order from the
left; and respective bits in the eighth row are associated with
EOH-FFH in order from the left. In the example shown in FIG. 25,
presence or absence of an address flag is determined on the basis
of whether each bit is 0 or 1. Address flags are set in 03H and
04H (bit data at the bit positions corresponding to 03H and 04H
assume a value of 1). More specifically, 256 addresses can be set
through use of 256 bits of
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
data . The amount of data required by the system according to the
present invention can be reduced to one-eighth the amount of data
required by the conventional system; that is, the amount of data
can be reduced from 2048 bits to 256 bits. Accordingly, the memory
capacity can be reduced, which in turn results in cost reduction.
Further, the amount of data required for setting an address can
be reduced, and hence the time consumed for setting an address can
be shortened.
As mentioned above, an address is set in a bit map format.
In order to determine a match between addresses, the terminal
processing section 10 is provided with means for calculating a bit
map address (a bit position corresponding to address data included
in the received transfer signal) from the address data. When the
bit position on the bit map corresponding to the address data is
1 (i.e., when an address flag is set), processing to be executed
at the time of address matching is performed. In contrast, if the
bit position is 0, there can be performed an operation for receiving
the next transfer signal. Regardless of the number of preset
addresses, a determination as to a match between addresses can be
completed through a single operation. An inexpensive low-speed
device having a plurality of addresses may be used for the terminal
processing section 10. The number of circuits is prevented from
being limited by a transfer rate, and a transfer rate can be
increased inexpensively.
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
Seventh E bodimPnt
A remote supervisory control system according to a seventh
embodiment is essentially identical in configuration with that
according to the sixth embodiment. An explanation will be given
of only a difference between the remote supervisory control systems .
According to the third embodiment, a group control switch 31b is
associated with operation terminals 31a ( 1 ) to 31a ( 4 ) , and the same
simultaneous controladdress isassigned to the operation terminals
31a ( 1 ) to 31a ( 4 ) . When the switch Sd of the group control switch
31b is pushed, an operation signal OP1 for prohibiting actuation
of a switch is transmitted to the transfer controller 30 from the
group control switch 31b. The transfer controller 30 transmits
through the signal line Ls a control signal CN1 (transfer signal)
which includes a simultaneous control address common to the
operation terminals 31a(1) to 31a(4) and contains data for
prohibiting interruption associated with actuation of the switch
Se. The operation terminals 31a ( 1 ) to 31a ( 4 ) receive the control
signal CN1 substantially simultaneously. Subsequently, even if
the switch Se is pressed, the illumination loads are not controlled.
Subsequently, the switch Sd of the group control switch 31b
is pushed again, so that an operation signal OP2 representing that
the actuation of the switch is effective is transmitted to the
transfer controller 30 from the group control switch 31b. The
transfer controller 30 sends to the signal line Ls a control signal
CN2 (transfer signal) which includes a simultaneous control address
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CA 02276453 2002-06-12
common to the operation terminals 31a(1) to 31a(4) and which
makes valid an interrupt associated with actuation of the switch
Se. The operation terminals 31a(1) to 31x(4) receive the control
signal CN2 substantially simultaneously and thereafter can
control the illumination loads by actuation of the switch Se.
Specifically, the group control switch 311 according to the third
embodiment is provided for locking (prohibiting) the actuation of
the other operation terminals 31a(1) to 31a(4). By pushing only
the switch Sd of the group control switch 31b, the operation
terminals 31a(1) to 31a(4) are prohibited from controlling the
illumination loads.
Eighth Embodiment
A remote supervisory control system according to an eighth
embodiment is substantially identical in configuration to that
according to the sixth embodiment. An explanation will be given
of only a difference between the remote supervisory control
systems. In the fourth embodiment, a ventilation fan L is
connected as a load to the control terminal 32.
In the fourth embodiment, a common simultaneous control
address is assigned to operation terminals 31a(1) to 31a(4) shown
in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 11, a transfer controller 30 uses a
control signal CN including the simultaneous address as a
synchronous signal for use with operation display lamps of the
operation terminals 31a(1) to 31a(4). According to the fourth
embodiment, the operation display lamps can flicker at the same
cycle, and hence the operation (activation) status of the load L
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
can be checked (perceived).
FIG. 31 shows an example configuration of a remote supervisory
control system according to a ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
Throughout the specification, "up, " "down, " "right, " "left, "
"front, " "back, " and like expressions are used herein to designate
constituent elements of the present invention when they are
oriented in the direction in which they are intended to be used.
The illustrated remote supervisory control system primarily
differs in configuration from a remote supervisory control system
described in the first to eighth embodiments in that the system
comprises setting operation terminals 11 and 12. However, the
systems are identical in that addresses of operation terminals and
addresses of control terminals are arranged so as to correspond
to one another and that a correspondence table defining the
correspondence is registered in a transfer controller 30. The
correspondence table representing the correspondence between
addresses is set in the transfer controller 30 through use of the
setting operation terminal 1. If the addresses of the operation
terminals and the addresses of the control terminals, which
correspond to one another, are set to identical values, the
correspondence between the addresses can be readily understood.
In this sense, the concept of "channel" is used to designate an
address. The address of the operation terminal and the address of
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CA 02276453 2002-02-18
the control terminal, which correspond to each other in a one-to-
' one relationship, are set to the same channel. In one channel
(address), four loads L can be controlled by designation of a load
number. For example, "0" channel enables control of four loads L
assigned load numbers "1" to "4." The load L assigned load number
"1" of channel "0" is expressed by "0-1." Thus, the channel and
the load number, both being thus set, are used in a pair, whereby
the operation terminal and the control terminal can be arranged so
as to correspond to each other.
In the present invention, the remote supervisory control
system comprises incandescent lamps L1; fluorescent lamps L2, each
having an inverter lighting device; a fan coil L3 of an air
conditioner; and a speaker L4. The incandescent lamps L1 are
controlled by means of dimmer control terminals 321 to 323 (15000W,
800W, and 500W) whose capacities correspond to the number of
lamps. The fluorescent lamps L2 are controlled by a control
terminal 32 having a relay for controlling illumination and
extinction and by a dimmer control terminal 324 for controlling a
light output. The dimmer control terminal 324 delivers 0-volt to
10-volt voltage signals to the lighting devices, and the lighting
devices change the intensity of light emitted from the fluorescent
lamps L2 by means of the voltage signals. A fan control terminal
326 for use with a fan coil controls the speed of operation of the
fan coil L3 in three steps. The volume of the speaker L4 is
controlled by a speaker control terminal 327 for volume control
purpose. Other electrically
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
powered appliances, such as a powered curtain, a powered screen,
and a ventilation fan, may be connected as other loads to the remote
supervisory control system.
The remote supervisory control system comprises, as
operation terminals, a control terminal 31 having a switch So
identical in configuration to the switch in the first to eighth
embodiments; dimmer operation terminals 381 and 38z; and an
operation terminal (one type of monitoring terminal ) 311 for contact
input use which permits connection of various sensors for producing
contact outputs . An operation terminal may be constructed even by
providing an operation section with a wireless transmitter 34a and
using the wireless transmitter 34a in combination with a wireless
receiver 34b. The two dimmer operation terminals 381 and 382
essentially differ from each other in terms of the dimensions and
structure of an operation section. The dimmer operation terminal
381 comprises a comparatively small push-button handle, and the
dimmer operation terminal 38z comprises a comparatively large
piano-handle-type handle whose one side is pivotally supported.
The dimmer operation terminals 381 and 38z are identical in basic
operation. As shown in the drawing, in order to extend a signal
line Ls, a relay (amplifier) 35 is connected to the signal line
Ls, to thereby enable transmission of a transfer signal without
involving attenuation. In the illustrated example, two setting
operation terminals 11 and 12 are connected to the relay 35. The
setting operation terminal 11 provides a color display, and the
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
setting operation terminal 1, provides a monochrome display. The
color display setting operation terminal 11 is supplied with 24-volt
ac power from a remote control transformer (which will be described
later) 36. The color display and the monochrome display are almost
the same in terms of substantial functions, and hence both the
operation terminals 11 and 1, are referred to as "setting operation
terminals 1" without drawing a distinction between them.
Procedures for setting correspondence data will now be
described. The setting procedures can be divided into three
phases: a pre-processing phase during which transmission of
correspondence data is commenced; a transmission processing phase
during which correspondence data are actually transmitted; and a
post-processing phase during which transmission of the
correspondence data is completed. Upon starting operations, the
transfer controller 30 sets its transmission status to "NO
TRANSMISSION" representing that corresponding data are not
transmitted. In other words, the transfer controller 30 enters the
same operation mode as that of the conventional transfer controller
in which the loads L are controlled. Unless an interrupt signal
is generated, a determination is made as to whether or not data
transmission is being carried out. If data transmission is not
being carried out, the transfer controller 30 performs a full-
time polling operation, wherein a transfer signal of dummy mode
is repeatedly produced.
In the pre-processing phase, if an attempt is made to transmit
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
correspondence data to the transfer controller 30, the terminal
generates an interrupt signal. Hence, the interrupt signal is
detected. Upon detection of the interrupt signal, the transfer
controller 30 specifies the terminal that has issued the interrupt
signal and determines the interrupt request. This processing is
the same as that performed when the loads L are controlled. At the
time of transmission of correspondence data, the setting operation
terminal 1 sends a data transfer request to the transfer controller
30. In order to represent that correspondence data are being
transmitted, the transmission status of the transfer controller
30 is set to "TRANSMISSION IN PROGRESS." If no data transfer
request is sent from the setting operation terminal 1, this
indicates ordinary control of the loads L, and hence the transfer
controller 30 controls the loads L according to the request.
Signals are exchanged between the transfer controller 30 and
the setting operation terminal 1 in the following manner. More
specifically, the setting operation terminal 1 issues an interrupt
signal. In response to this interrupt signal, the transfer
controller 30 sets an, interrupt flag so as to perform an interruption
polling operation and wait for a return of the address of the setting
operation terminal 1. Upon receipt of the address of the setting
operation terminal 1, the transfer controller 30 monitors a request
from the setting operation terminal 1. In response to the
monitoring of a request by the transfer controller 30, the setting
operation terminal 1 makes a request to the transfer controller
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
30 for receiving correspondence.data. Upon receipt of the request,
the transfer controller 30 clears the interrupt flag. Further, in
order to enable exchange of correspondence data, the transfer
controller 30 ensures 256 bytes of address region for storing the
correspondence data. 256 bytes are taken as a unit and called one
page; therefore, one page of address region is ensured. when one
page of address region is ensured in this way, the address region
ensured for registration of correspondence data is reported to the
setting operation terminal 1, and the setting operation terminal
1 is requested to start transmitting correspondence data. After
having made the request to the setting operation terminal 1 for
transmitting correspondence data, the transfer controller 30
monitors the state of transmission of correspondence data from the
setting operation terminal 1. When a notice that transmission of
correspondence data is possible (i.e., a notice of "TRANSMISSION
IN PROGRESS" ) is returned from the setting operation terminal 1,
the transfer controller 30 enters the transmission processing
phase.
During the transmission processing phase, the setting
operation terminal 1 transmits correspondence data to the transfer
controller 30. If the correspondence data are too large in volume
to be sent through one transmission, only a portion of the
correspondence data is transmitted. If the transfer of the
correspondence data has not yet been completed, the setting
operation terminal 1 again issues an interrupt signal so as to repeat
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
the foregoing processing operations, thereby continuing the
transmission of the correspondence data.
More specifically, the transfer controller 30 monitors the
volume of the correspondence data transmitted from the setting
operation terminal 1 and causes the setting operation terminal 1
to return a byte counter signal. Subsequently, the transfer
controller 30 monitors the correspondence data and causes the
setting operation terminal 1 to transmit correspondence data in
the number of bytes specified by the byte counter signal. Here,
not all the correspondence data are transmitted at one time, but
the correspondence data are divided into a plurality of data
segments. Transmission of the correspondence data from thesetting
operation terminal 1 to the transfer controller 3 is repeated until
transmission of correspondence data in the number of bytes
specified by the byte counter signal is completed. Finally, the
transfer controller 30 requests the setting operation terminal 1
to send a checksum pertaining to the correspondence data. Upon
receipt of the checksum, the transfer controller 30 determines
whether or not transmission errors have occurred. The
correspondence data comprise pattern numbers used for
distinguishing patterns to be subjected to pattern control, or
group numbers used for distinguishing groups to be subjected to
group control; the address of the load L to be controlled; and the
nature of control . According to the contents of the correspondence
data which are transmitted to the transfer controller 30 from the
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
setting operation terminal . 1 while being divided, the
correspondence table pertaining to pattern control or group control
is registered in the transfer controller 30.
A post-processing operation is an operation for setting the
transmission status of the transfer controller 30 to "NO
TRANSMISSION." After completion of setting of the correspondence
data, the transfer controller 30 monitors the state of transfer
of the setting operation terminal 1 and ascertains completion of
data transmission. Subsequently, a data transmission completion
instruction is sent, to thereby inform the setting operation
terminal 1 of completion of all the processing operations
pertaining to transmission of the correspondence data.
Under such procedures, during an idle time in which the load
L can be controlled and control data for the load L have not yet
been generated, the correspondence data for pattern or group
control purposes can be transmitted to the transfer controller 30
from the setting operation terminal 1.
As mentioned above, in the embodiment, the correspondence
data are transmitted at different times to the transfer controller
30 from the setting operation terminal 1 while being separated into
segments. The reason for this is that transmitting correspondence
data of the same volume at one time requires a longer transmission
time, thereby raising the possibility of occurrence of a period
of time during which the load L cannot be controlled. So long as
the correspondence data are transmitted while remaining in a
8G
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
divided state by utilization of an idle time which is not used for
controlling the load L, the correspondence data can be transmitted
without introducing a period of time during which the load L cannot
be controlled . In order to transmit the correspondence data while
they are in a divided state, the transfer controller 30 retains
data pertaining to a transmission status. By means of data
representing "TRANSMISSION IN PROGRESS" and data representing "NO
TRANSMISSION," the transfer controller 30 can ascertain whether
or not untransmitted correspondence data segments still remain.
Consequently, if the transfer controller 30 is requested to control
the load L during the period in which the transmission status is
"TRANSMISSION IN PROGRESS," the transfer controller 30 controls
the load L in preference to transmission of correspondence data.
After completion of control of the load L, the transmission of the
correspondence data is resumed, thereby enabling transmission of
correspondence data without impeding control of the load L.
Next, the configuration of the setting operation terminal
1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 30, the setting operation
terminal 1 comprises a liquid crystal section 11 which is formed
into a single piece from a liquid crystal display and a backlight
attached to the liquid crystal display; and a transparent touch
panel 12 which is superimposed on the screen of the liquid crystal
section 11 . A liquid crystal display comprising a matrix of pixels
is used for the liquid crystal section 11, wherein graphics are
displayed by combination of pixels . The touch panel 12 comprises
87
CA 02276453 2002-02-18
a transparent sheet member and a plurality of contacts which are
formed from transparent electrodes and are arranged on the sheet
member. The touch panel 12 is of a resistance-pressure-sensitive
type and outputs a location where a finger or like member touches
the sheet member.
The setting operation terminal 1 comprises a
transmit/receive circuit 21 which is connected to the signal line
Ls connected to the transfer controller 30 and which exchanges a
transfer signal. The transmit/receive circuit 21 is connected to
a main microcomputer 20' shared between a transmission processing
section and a control section. The main microcomputer 20'
operates according to a program and data, both of which are
written in flash memory 22. Function data for determining
addresses and functions of terminals are written into at least a
portion of the flash memory 22. Further, data available for the
remote supervisory control system, such as various messages and
symbols, are also stored in the flash memory 22.
The main microcomputer 20' transfers to a liquid crystal
controller 24' data for instructing the contents of a display on
the liquid crystal section 11, by way of a latch circuit 23'.
Through use of data registered in DRAM 25 in advance, the liquid
crystal controller 24' indicates predetermined information at a
predetermined location of the liquid crystal section 11. As will
be described later, the contents of the DRAM 25 can be set by the
user. Specifically, the user can set contents through use of the
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
touch panel 12 by setting the main microcomputer 20' to a setting
mode, and the thus-set contents are stored in the DRAM 25. The main
microcomputer 20' is set to an operation mode, and the touch panel
12 is operated, whereby information to be displayed on the liquid
crystal section 11 is set through use of the data stored in the
DRAM 25. The contrast of the liquid crystal section 11 and the
brightness of the backlight are adjusted by controlling a contrast
adjustment section 26 and a backlight inverter circuit 27, by way
of the main microcomputer 20' . Further, a beeper 28 is connected
to the main microcomputer 20' . In the event that the user touches
a predetermined region of the touch panel 12 or performs a faulty
operation, the beeper 28 is activated, to thereby inform the user
of acceptance of an input or a faulty operation. Desirably,
different sounds are set for a faulty operation and acceptance of
an input, respectively.
The setting operation terminal 11 comprises a backlight and
hence requirescomparatively high power. For this reason, internal
power of the setting operation terminal 1 is not supplied from the
signal line Ls, and ,the setting operation terminal 1 is supplied
with AC 24V which is rectified and stabilized by a power supply
circuit 29. The AC 24V supplied to the power supply circuit 29 is
supplied from a remote control transformer disposed in a
distribution panel along with the transfer controller 30. This
remote control transformer has conventionally been provided for
feeding power to a remote control relay which can be activated or
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CA 02276453 1999-06-24
deactivated not by means of a~transfer signal, but by means of
another switch. The AC 24V output from the remote control
transformer is supplied to the setting operation terminal 1, thus
eliminating a need to supply power to the setting operation terminal
1 directly from commercial power such as ac 100V. Since 5-volt,
12-volt, and 20-volt voltages used as internal power are lower than
24 volts, desired voltages can be obtained through use of a simple
configuration, such as a required number of voltage stabilization
circuits.
The foregoing setting operation terminal 1 has a
configuration shown in FIG. 32. Specifically, the setting
operation terminal 1 is constituted by removably connecting
together an operation display unit 2 having the liquid crystal
section 11 and the touch panel 12, and a main unit 3 for accommodating
other circuits.
The operation display unit 2 comprises a front body 41 whose
front surface ( i. e. , the upper surface shown in FIG. 3 ) is opened;
the panel-shaped liquid crystal section 11 to be set on bosses 41a
provided in upright.positions on the interior bottom surface of
the body 41; and the sheet-like touch panel 12 laid on the front-side
surface of the liquid crystal section 11. A rectangular-frame-
shaped intermediate plate 42 is superimposed on the front side of
the touch panel 12. A display region of the liquid crystal section
11 becomes exposed by way of a window 42a formed in the intermediate
plate 42. Further, a rectangular decorated plate 43 is laid on the
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
front surface of the intermediate plate 42. The front body 41, the
intermediate plate 42, and the decorated plate 43 are formed from
insulating synthetic resin. Further, the touch panel 12 is
activated when pressed by a finger or other member. A replaceable
transparent protective sheet 13 is labeled to the surface of the .
touch panel 12, thus preventing fingerprints from being left on
the touch panel 12. If the protective sheet 13 is stained by
fingerprints or dust, the touch panel 12 can be readily maintained
by replacement of the protective sheet 13.
The front body 41 and the intermediate plate 42 are connected
together by screw-engaging countersunk head screws 44-inserted
through the bosses 41a from behind the body 41--with the
intermediate plate 42. Six lift-prevention tabs 41b are
projectingly formed along the front peripheral wall surface of the
front body 41. Each of the lift-prevention tabs 41b is formed so
as to have a greater width toward its tip end. The lift-prevention
tabs 41b are engaged with notches 42b formed in the periphery of
the intermediate plate 42. As a result of the lift-prevention tabs
41b engaging with the notches 42b, lifting of the intermediate plate
42 from the front body 41 can be prevented, thus preventing
occurrence of a clearance between the front body 41 and the
intermediate plate 42, which would otherwise be caused by warpage
of the intermediate plate 42. The lift-prevention tabs 41b and the
notches 42b are arranged in an asymmetrical manner, thereby
preventing faulty assembly of the front body 41 and the intermediate
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plate 42.
The box mount holes 59a are formed in the mount pieces 51b
and 51c at the same pitches as those at which holes are formed in
a triple frame which is produced by arranging side by side three
mount frames for use in mounting a large-angle string wiring
accessory as defined by JIS. Further, the main unit 3 has
dimensions equivalent to those of a triple module which is produced
by arranging side by side three 3-module wiring accessories.
Consequently, the main unit 3 can be mounted by use of members for
mounting wiring accessories, thereby eliminating a necessity for
newly manufacturing custom-designed mounting members or requiring
minimal training in a mounting method.
As mentioned above, the remote supervisory control system
using the setting operation terminal 1 comprises various loads,
such as the incandescent lamps L1, the fluorescent lamps L~, the
fan coil L" and the speaker L" and enables dimming of the
incandescent lamps L1 and the fluorescent lamps L, and adjustment
of outputs of the fan coil L, and the speaker L" as well as activation
or deactivation of the loads . An operation section and a control
section are required for effecting control of such loads. In the
setting operation terminal 1, the liquid crystal section 11 acts
as a display section, and the operation section is formed by
combination of graphics and characters indicated on the liquid
crystal section 11 and the touch panel 12.
If data pertaining to the display and operation sections of
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all the loads to be controlled are displayed on a single screen
of the liquid crystal section 11, the liquid crystal section 11
is required to have a large screen, thus rendering the setting
operation terminal 1 expensive and bulky. To prevent this problem,
the volume of data to be displayed per screen of the liquid crystal
section 1 is made comparatively low, and data pertaining to the
display and operation sections of the plurality of loads can be
indicated on the liquid crystal display section 11 by means of
switching a screen display. Specifically, interpretation of the
nature of operation of the touch panel 12 is changed in association
with the screen display appearing on the liquid crystal section
11.
As shown in FIG. 33, five buttons S1 to SS for switching
screens are indicated on the left column on the screen of the liquid
crystal 11. These buttons S1 to SS are indicated at all times,
without regard to switching between screens . The buttons SI to SS
are assigned, in order from the top, to pattern control (pattern),
group control (group), luminaire control (dimmer/individual),
luminaire control (,dimmer/individual), and powered-curtain/fan
coil unit control (electrically-powered appliances or like
appliances). When any of the regions on the touch panel 12
corresponding to the buttons S1 to S5 is touched (pressed) , a screen
display is switched to a screen corresponding to the thus-selected
control. Mark M is indicated to the side of the selected one of
the buttons S1 to S5, thereby informing the user of which of the
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screens is currently selected.. The reason why two buttons S, and
S, are assigned to luminaire control is that the luminaires are
provided in greater number than are any other loads to be controlled.
First, a brief explanation will be given of control of loads
through use of the foregoing setting operation terminal 1. At the
time of control (illumination or extinction) of the luminaires
(incandescent lamps or fluorescent lamps), a screen such as that
shown in FIG. 34 is displayed. Illumination and extinction of the
luminaires can be controlled by means of a single operation section.
In contrast, dimming of the luminaires requires, as operation
sections, an UP operation section for instructing the luminaires
to increase light output, a DOWN operation section for instructing
the luminaires to decrease light output, and an ON/OFF operation
section for instructing the luminaires to be illuminated or
extinguished. Further, a level display section for indicating the
level of light output and an illumination/extinction display
section for indicating whether the luminaires are illuminated or
extinguished are also required. The ON/OFF operation section and
the illumination/extinction display section can also be used for
solely illuminating or extinguishing theluminaires. Inshort,the
operation and display sections for dimming purposes can also be
used as the operation and display sections only for illumination
and extinction purposes . For this reason, an UP button S11, a DOWN
button S,2, and an ON/OFF button S13 are provided for the luminaire
operation section. Further, an illumination/extinction display
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section D1, and a bar-indication-type level indicator Di~ are
provided for the display section. The illumination/extinction
display section DI, is superimposed on the ON/OFF button 51,.
Depending on the status of the luminaires, characters "ON" or "OFF"
are selectively indicated. In a case where the user instructs only
illumination or extinction of the luminaires, none of the UP button
S11, the DOWN button S1~ and the level indicator Dlz are indicated,
but the ON/OFF button 13 and the illumination/extinction indicator
D11 are displayed. Further, a symbol may be used for the
illumination/extinction display section Dl~
The setting operation terminal 1 can effect group control
of the loads. In order to effect group control, it is necessary
to designate which of the objects are to be controlled in a
collective manner. Further, the setting operation terminal 1 can
control the loads through pattern control. In order to effect
pattern control, it is necessary to designate which of the objects
are to be controlled, as well as the nature of a state in which
the objects are to be controlled.
Loads to be subjected to group and pattern control and a state
in which the loads are to be controlled will be described later.
If group control has already been set, a screen similar to the screen
"DIMMER/INDIVIDUAL" shown in FIG. 34 appears in response to the
user touching the button S,. If any one of the displayed operation
sections on the screen is touched, a plurality of loads are brought
into the same controlled state in a collective manner. Therefore,
CA 02276453 1999-06-24
if the user desires to collectively control the activation or
deactivation of a plurality of luminaires or an increase or decrease
in light output of the luminaires, the luminaires are subjected
to group control or group dimming. Further, master faders Se and
S9 are displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal section 11 along
with a bar-indication-type level indicator D,. Use of the master
faders SB and S9 enables a group dimming operation, thereby
increasing or decreasing the light output of all the luminaires.
These master faders Se and S9 appear even on the "DIMMER/INDIVIDUAL"
screen and the "OTHER ELECTRICALLY-POWERED APPLIANCE OR LIKE
APPLIANCE" screen.
If pattern control has already been set, the button S1
corresponding to the scenario is touched (since pattern control
is selected according to the condition in which the room is used,
the nature of pattern control is made so as to correspond to the
scenario in which the room is used. In this sense, the term
"scenario" is used for signifying pattern control). As shown in
FIG. 33, buttons S,1 to S" appear in a lower portion of the screen
of the liquid crystal section 11. These buttons S,1 to S" correspond
to respective scenarios . When the user touches one of the buttons
S,1 to S" corresponding to a desired scenario, the preset object
is controlled to a state corresponding to the scenario.
The indications, such as operation sections (buttons or
operation buttons) and symbols, are changed by means of internal
processing of the setting operation terminal 1 according to the
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contents of control data which are returned from the transfer
controller 30 after the setting operation terminal 1 has sent
instructions to the control terminals 32.
As mentioned above, the setting operation terminal can
instruct the nature of control to which a load is subjected. Since
the remote supervisory control system can effect group and pattern
control, there is a necessity for setting correspondence between
a load to be controlled and an operation section, as well as
correspondence between loads to be subjected to group or pattern
control and a state in which the loads are to be controlled. To
this end, the setting operation terminal is equipped with the
setting switch SW for instructing the load. The setting switch SW
is pressed while any one of the buttons S, to SS is selected. If
the button S1 is selected, the nature of pattern control can be set.
If the button S, is selected, the nature of group control can be
set. If any of the buttons S, to SS is selected, correspondence
between the load to be controlled and an operation section can be
set.
The following explanation applies to operation of the remote
supervisory control system when the system enters a setting mode
as a result of the user pressing the setting switch SW and holding
for three seconds or more. As shown in FIG. 35, an initial screen
for setting mode enables the user to select a desired setting
operation. In the present embodiment, the user can select a desired
one from "INITIAL SETTING," "ADDRESS SETTING," "LOAD SYMBOL
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SETTING," "pATTERN/GROUP SETTING," "OPERATION LOCK SETTING," and
"SCREEN CLEANING MODE." A desired setting operation can be
selected by means of the user touching any one of operation sections;
i.e., buttons S,1 to S,6. As mentioned above, various setting
operations are performed through use of the touch panel 12
superimposed on the screen. In connection with the following
description of the screen, buttons other than those required for
operation are omitted from the drawings, but the screen is
substantially the same as those shown in FIG. 33.
As shown in FIG. 35, a button S61 labeled "NORMAL" is indicated
on the right-side portion of the selection screen of setting mode.
When the button S61 is touched, another screen appears in a control
mode, wherein only the buttons S1 to S5 are indicated.
When the "INITIAL SETTING" button is selected in the screen
shown in FIG. 35, the basic operational parameters of the setting
operation terminal 1, such as the brightness of the screen or the
volume of the beeper 28, can be set. Specifically, the user can
select any one from the "CONTRAST SETTING" operation, the "SETTING
OF SCREEN SHUTOFF", operation, the "OPERATION SOUND SETTING"
operation, and the "SETTING OF AUTOMATIC SCREEN ILLUMINATION"
operation. It is possible to control the contrast of the screen
of the liquid crystal section 11, to set a time duration between
the instant when an input operation is finished and the instant
when the screen is shut off, to determine whether or not operation
sound is emitted when a button is pressed, and to determine whether
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or not a change in the operation status of the load L is displayed
at the time a blank screen is displayed.
When the "ADDRESS SETTING" operation is selected on the screen
shown in FIG. 35, the address of the terminal can be set and
ascertained, as shown in FIG. 15. When a button is selected from
the buttons S1 to S5 in this setting mode, only four buttons S,1
to S" are displayed as active operation sections, such as those
shown in FIGS. 37,39 and 41. Specifically, since four switches are
assigned to one channel, the four buttons S,1 to S" are displayed
as effective operation sections.
Provided that the "PATTERN" button S1 is pressed in the screen
shown in FIG. 15, the screen changes to a screen shown in FIG. 37.
In addition to the "NORMAL" button S61 indicated on the right-side
portion of the screen shown in FIG. 37, a "RETURN" button S6~ is
indicated. If the button S6~ is touched, the screen changes to the
previous screen. If any one of the buttons S,1 to S" is selected
in the screen shown in FIG. 36 or 37, the screen changes to a screen
shown in FIG. 38, wherein there are displayed operation sections
for setting the address and function of the terminal. As a result,
the address or function of the button selected from the buttons
S41 to S" on the screen shown in FIG. 37 can be set. For example,
if the button S,1 is touched, the display status of the button S,1
is changed, to thereby show that the button S,1 is selected. If
it is found in this state that an address for pattern control use
( i. e. , a pattern address ) has already been assigned to the button
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S41, the value of the address is indicated in box Hl. If a pattern
address has not yet been assigned to the button S,1, the user can
set a pattern address through use of a numeric key pad.
Alternatively, when the pattern address that has already been
assigned is changed, the "CLEAR" button is touched to thereby erase
the pattern address, and a new pattern address is entered through
use of the numeric key pad. FIG. 38 shows that "P1" is set as the
pattern address. A "SETTING" button S63 is indicated on the right
side portion of the screen shown in FIG. 38. If the button S6, is
touched after pattern addresses have been assigned to the
respective buttons S,1 to S", the pattern addresses assigned to the
buttons S,1 to S" are determined.
The same also applies to the case of setting of addresses
for group control purposes (i.e., group address), addresses for
dimmer/individual control purposes (i.e., dimmer/individual
control address), and addresses for use in controlling
electrically-powered appliances (i.e., electrically-powered
appliance or like appliance). In the case of group setting, the
screen changes from_that shown in FIG. 39 to that shown in FIG.
40. In the case of dimmer/individual setting, the screen changes
from that shown in FIG. 41 to that shown in FIG. 42. On the
respective screens shown in FIGs. 40 and 42, there are shown setting
buttons suitable for group control and dimmer/individual control.
On the screen shown in FIG. 39 for setting group control
addresses, a "GROUP DIMMER" button S65 for instructing whether or
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not a dimmer level is controlled in a collective manner is shown
on the lower-right portion of the screen in addition to the buttons
Ss, and S6,. If this button S65 is touched, the intensity of light
of all the luminaires can be controlled in a collective manner
through group control. The operations required after selection of
one from the buttons S,lto S" are the same as those required in
the setting of a pattern address, thereby prompting display of
setting buttons suitable for group control such as those shown in
FIG. 40. In the screen shown in FIG. 40, the user can select between
temporary illumination for activating a load only for a
predetermined period of time after completion of an operation for
activating the load (in this case, the load usually corresponds
to a luminaire) , and delayed shutoff for deactivating the load after
completion of an operation for deactivating the load. The duration
of such control can be set in a plurality of steps. Specifically,
the temporary illumination operation can be selectively set in five
steps (by means of the "TEMPORARY" button) : i.e., 30 seconds, one
minute, five minutes, one hour, and two hours . The delayed shutoff
operation can be selectively set in three steps (by means of the
"DELAYED" button) : i.e., 30 seconds, one minute, and five minutes.
If any errors are committed in the course of the setting operation,
the user touches the "CLEAR" button. In order to cancel timer
control such as temporary illumination or delayed shutoff, the user
presses the "TIMER CLEAR" button. As shown in FIG. 40, the details
of the group address or other settings ( including the settings of
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timer control ) are indicated in box B, . The message shown in the
box Bz in FIG. 40 expresses that the group address is "G1 ~' and that
shutoff is set so as to become delayed 30 seconds. Even on the
screens shown in FIGs . 18 and 19, the "SETTING" button S6, is
indicated. If the button S6, is pressed, the group addresses
assigned to the buttons S,1 to S" are determined, and the thus-
determined group addresses are transmitted to the transfer
controller 30.
The buttons S,1 to S" which are objects of setting of
individual or dimmer addresses are indicated on the screen shown
in FIG. 41. If any one of the buttons S,1 to S" is selectively touched
on this screen, the screen shown in FIG. 42 appears . As in the case
of group control, individual control and dimmer control enable
timer control. Further, the timer control can be set stepwise. By
selection of "INDIVIDUAL" or "DIMMER" on the screen shown in FIG.
42, activation or deactivation of only the luminaire or dimming
of the luminaire can be selected. A load to be checked can be
selected from the loads indicated within a box B, by means of the
user touching the "RETURN" button Specifically, descriptions of
a plurality of loads are displayed in rows within the box B, . Cursor
C1 provided outside the box B, is vertically moved by touching the
"RETURN" button, thereby designating one of the rows provided
within the box B3. The "RETURN" button is used for selecting a row
sequentially and cyclically. In the screen shown in FIG. 42, a
"LOAD SELECTION" button S6, is indicated on the upper right portion
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of the screen. This button S6,.is used for selecting the type of
a load and changes a description displayed in an indication section
D, provided in the upper right section of the screen according to
the type of the selected load. As shown in FIGs. 43 (a) to (c),
there can be sequentially, cyclically selected a desired one from
a case where incandescent lamps are objects of dimming operation
and up to 256 incandescent lamps are controlled (FIG. 43(a)); a
case where dimming operation is not carried out (FIG. 43(b)); a
case where incandescent lamps are objects of dimming operation and
up to 16 incandescent lamps are controlled ( FIG. 43 ( c ) ) ; and a case
where inverter fluorescent lamps are objects of dimming operation
(FIG. 42). If the "SETTING" button S6, is pressed on the screen
shown in FIG. 42, the details of the screen shown in FIG. 42 are
set.
According to the present invention, the control terminals
assigned the same simultaneous control address substantially
simultaneously receive the same transfer signal, thus enabling
control of the intensity of the illumination loads at substantially
the same time. Thus, the remote supervisory control system
according to the present invention yields the advantage of having
the ability to change the intensity of a plurality of grouped
illumination loads without involvement of a time lag. Further, use
of the individual address enables individual control of the
illumination loads. Although the illumination loads are
controlled individually, the intensity of the illumination loads
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is changed simultaneously when the illumination loads are grouped,
thus preventing occurrence of a time lag, which the user would
consider strange.
According to the present invention, a display method can be
selected according to the purpose of use of the operation terminal,
and system configuration is facilitated.
The present invention has an advantage of providing the
ability to operate a plurality of grouped loads without involvement
of a time lag. Further, if the individual address is used, the loads
can be individually controlled. Therefore, if individualloads are
desired to be grouped while being controlled, they are controlled
simultaneously, to thereby prevent occurrence of a time lag, which
the user would consider strange.
According to the present invention, a remote supervisory
control system requires a comparatively small occupation space and
which uses a multifunction setting operation terminal capable of
offering various functions required for setting, control, and
management, to thereby achieve multifunctional performance and
improve cost effectiveness.
104
